This statement was made by Head of the Vietnamese delegation, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cao Duc Phat, at the plenary session of the 16^th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP16) which is taking place in Cancun in south-eastern Mexico.

Phat highlighted Vietnam’s efforts to actively implement its national target programme to limit the impact of climate change, save energy, use renewable energy, plant forest and move towards a low carbon economy.

Phat made some recommendations and called on the parties to the UNFCC and the Kyoto Protocol to join hands with the international community in the fight against climate change. He also asked developed countries to make stronger commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reach a REED+ agreement on against deforestation and forest degradation, reduce emissions, maintain biodiversity, use natural resources sustainably and support local communities in sustainable development.

During the COP16 meeting, the Vietnamese delegation met with its ASEAN from Mexico, the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Poland and Norway and international organisations, including the World Bank.

The meetings focused on hydrometeorology, storm forecasting, environmental protection, biodiversity, green growth, adaption to climate change and strategy for low carbon emissions.

Vietnam and its partners agreed to boost cooperation and share experiences in policy making, investment in green and clean technology, effective land use and management, forestry, infrastructure development and the preservation of natural resources for sustainable development.

The same day, Vietnam continued to attend the high-level plenary session and met with partners from the host country, before the end of the meeting on December 11.