The proposal was approved at the IEA Ministerial Meeting held on 18-19/2/2026 in Paris, France, according to TTXVN. With Vietnam's accession, the IEA's association network now expands to 14 countries, including Brazil, India, China, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Dai su dac menh toan quyen Viet Nam tai Phap Trinh Duc Hai and IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol. Photo: TTXVN

The IEA serves as a key forum for ensuring energy security and promoting a sustainable clean energy transition. Becoming an associate country provides Vietnam with closer access to resources, policy analysis, and international expertise amidst global energy shifts.

Trinh Duc Hai, Vietnam's Ambassador to France, emphasized the significance of joining the IEA as Vietnam enters a new development phase, committed to carbon neutrality and green energy transition. Vietnam plans to contribute proactively and positively to global energy dialogues.

At the conference's opening, Tien si Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director, stated that member countries appreciate the deepening cooperation with Vietnam, aiming for a global energy system that is secure, sustainable, and affordable.

In addition to expanding its associate country network, the IEA also increased its membership during this event. Colombia was officially recognized as the 33rd member.

Concurrently, the organization initiated the accession process to admit Brazil as a full member and announced that India has entered the final stage of its full membership process. Currently, both Brazil and India maintain associate country relationships with the IEA.

According to the IEA Executive Director, strengthening relationships with key countries like Brazil, Colombia, India, and Vietnam elevates the IEA network's market share to over 80% of total global energy consumption, a notable increase from under 40% 10 years ago.

In a special statement, IEA members agreed to expand cooperation under the Critical Minerals Security Program, addressing growing risks to global critical mineral supply chains.

The IEA Ministerial Meeting 2026 brought together nearly 60 ministers and senior leaders from member and associate countries, alongside dialogue participation from dozens of chief executive officers from energy and technology corporations such as EDF, TotalEnergies, and Shell.

The conference aimed to unify strategic directions to enhance energy security in an era of electrification, while ensuring the energy transition is secure, sustainable, and cost-effective for all nations.

Bao Bao