Prime Minister Le Minh Hung participated in the expanded Asia Net Zero Emission Community (AZEC) online summit on 15/4, chaired by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae. The conference aimed to respond to energy supply chain disruptions and ensure energy security for Asian countries affected by supply interruptions.
The Prime Minister noted that the current energy crisis stems from short-term fluctuations, reflecting structural imbalances and increasing strategic competition among nations. Vietnam believes the solution is not merely diversifying supply sources but also enhancing strategic trust, fostering cooperation, dialogue, and resolving disputes peacefully, based on international law.
Reaffirming Vietnam's efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and identifying renewable energy development and green transition as strategic priorities, the Prime Minister proposed three important cooperation directions to address energy issues and maintain supply chains.
In the short term, countries need to enhance policy coordination to diversify energy supply, facilitate trade, and maintain stable, smooth supply chains, especially for energy and food.
In the medium and long term, it is essential to enhance strategic autonomy and economic resilience by developing synchronized energy infrastructure, strengthening strategic reserves, and accelerating technology transfer.
Countries should also accelerate the effective and substantive implementation of cooperation projects within the AZEC framework, aligning with each nation's capabilities and practical conditions.
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Prime Minister Le Minh Hung speaking at the expanded Asia Net Zero Emission Community (AZEC) online summit. Photo: VNA |
Leaders from 15 countries attended the online conference, including the 10 AZEC member states: Japan, Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, along with five guest countries: South Korea, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, East Timor, and representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Energy Agency (IEA).
At the conference, Prime Minister Sanae announced Japan's decision to allocate a USD 10 billion financial package to support energy supply diversification in Asia. This initiative focuses on emergency response measures, such as procuring supplies and maintaining supply chains, as well as strengthening long-term economic and energy resilience. She proposed upgrading the AZEC initiative to AZEC 2.0 to ensure energy security and enhance Asia's self-reliance.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung expressed support for the AZEC 2.0 upgrade initiative, reaffirming Vietnam's commitment to proactively coordinate with Japan and partners in effectively implementing AZEC initiatives to collectively build a greener, more sustainable, and prosperous future.
Prime Minister Sanae stated that relevant Japanese agencies would engage in discussions with other countries to promptly materialize these initiatives.
Nhu Tam
