On September 29, the ASEAN-Australia High-Level Dialogue on Climate Change and Energy Transition took place in Hanoi.

Delegates to the ASEAN-Australia High-Level Dialogue on Climate Change and Energy Transition. (Photo: VNA)

This is a cooperation activity co-chaired by Vietnam, Australia and Laos (as coordinators of ASEAN-Australia relations) within the framework of the implementation of the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, towards the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia relations (1974-2024).

This is also a meaningful activity on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Australia diplomatic relations in 2023.

Speaking at the opening of the Dialogue, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet emphasized that climate change is seriously affecting many countries, requiring timely actions and strong commitments.

Vietnam is working to implement its commitments to respond to climate change, including achieving net-zero emissions reduction by 0 as committed at COP2050, the Declaration on the Establishment of a Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP); looking forward to receiving the support of the international community, contributing to the successful implementation of these efforts.

Affirming that ASEAN is a family, a community that embraces and shares with each other, Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet suggested ASEAN countries continue to promote the potentials and advantages of renewable energy resources, raise awareness, promote commitments and practical actions in responding to climate change.

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Appreciating Australia's active development cooperation with ASEAN over the years as well as its commitment to continue supporting ASEAN to meet emerging challenges, the Deputy Minister welcomed the organization of the Dialogue, creating opportunities for the two sides to exchange, share experiences and recommend solutions to effectively respond to climate change and accelerate the Energy Transition, towards sustainable development in the region.

At the Dialogue, Australian Ambassador on Climate Change Kristin Tilley stressed that building a clean energy partnership is now one of Australia's priorities with ASEAN as well as with other international partners; At the same time, Australia has just adopted an international development policy, contributing to supporting the implementation of commitments to cut emissions by 2030 and 2050.

Ambassador Kristin Tilley stressed Australia's desire to be a reliable partner in clean energy.

Australia joins Pacific island nations in hosting COP31 in 2026; willing to coordinate with partners in the region, through sharing resources, investing in infrastructure construction, providing professional and technological support, improving the capacity to develop renewable energy, contributing to promoting green development and sustainable prosperity in the region.

The representative of the coordinator of ASEAN-Australia relations, Lao Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines Sivana Souphanouvong affirmed that Laos is trying to contribute to joint efforts to limit global warming and mitigate the impacts of climate change through national strategies and plans on socio-economic development and power sector development. Laos is expected to announce carbon neutrality targets by 2050.

The Deputy Minister emphasized efforts to exploit the potential of natural resources, take advantage of renewable energy, and promote the development of electric vehicles are currently among Laos' priorities to serve green development and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Laos calls for forms of public-private partnerships, domestic and foreign cooperation; at the same time, affirming close coordination with ASEAN countries and Australia, actively contributing to common sustainable development efforts.

Delegates to the ASEAN-Australia High-Level Dialogue on Climate Change and Energy Transition. (Photo: VNA)

At the Dialogue, participants spent time exchanging and sharing experiences and proposing recommendations and solutions to overcome difficulties and overcome current challenges in responding to climate change and accelerating the Energy Transition as well as effectively taking advantage of opportunities and potentials for clean energy development cooperation in the region.

Participants highly appreciated ASEAN's efforts over the past time, and agreed to recommend that ASEAN and Australia, as each other's Comprehensive Strategic Partners, need to support each other, improve self-reliance to effectively respond to emerging common challenges, including climate change, etc promote a just, efficient and sustainable Energy Transition in the region.

In concluding remarks, Ambassador Vu Ho, Acting Head of ASEAN SOM of Vietnam highly appreciated the results of discussions at the Dialogue, contributing positively to the preparation process for the Special Summit to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia relations in March 3 in Australia.

The Ambassador emphasized that ASEAN and Australia need to make cooperation on climate change response and Energy Transition a priority focus in efforts to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two sides, and looked forward to the upcoming Special Summit will affirm strong determination and commitment, important orientations, and further promoting cooperation between the two sides in this field, towards the future sustainable development of the region./.