Following the signing ceremony, the two ministers discussed orientations for strengthening bilateral relations. They affirmed that the establishment of diplomatic ties marks a historic milestone, laying the foundation for future cooperation. Both sides agreed to continue discussions to explore specific cooperation opportunities in areas of potential such as marine economy, tourism, and education.

They also agreed to coordinate closely at multilateral forums.

Acting Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung extended an invitation for Minister Paulson Panapa to visit Vietnam, which the Tuvaluan official gladly accepted.

Tuvalu is a small island nation in the South Pacific, operating under a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. The British monarch serves as the head of state, represented by a governor-general, while the prime minister is the head of government.

Tuvalu has a small and climate-vulnerable economy, primarily reliant on fishing (especially tuna) and subsistence agriculture. Before establishing diplomatic ties with Vietnam, Tuvalu maintained relations with 123 countries, including six ASEAN member states.

Countries must fully deliver on climate finance commitments

On September 24, President Luong Cuong met with Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Baerbock congratulated Vietnam on its 80th National Day, which coincides with the UN's 80th anniversary, and praised the country for hosting the signing ceremony of the UN Convention on Cybercrime at the end of October, as well as for assuming the presidency of the 11th NPT Review Conference in 2026.

She commended President Cuong’s powerful speech delivered on September 23 and his strong support for the United Nations and this session’s agenda.

Baerbock noted that Vietnam and the UN share many views on global issues and both support multilateralism. She praised Vietnam’s proactive role and growing international standing, as well as its increasing contributions to UN bodies and forums, particularly during a time of global and institutional challenges.

She also lauded Vietnam’s initiative in proposing the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness (December 27), which was adopted by the UN in 2020. She expressed hope that Vietnam will continue to support and actively participate in the second high-level meeting on pandemic prevention and response in 2026.

President Luong Cuong reiterated Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism, and diversification. He affirmed that Vietnam is an active, responsible member of the international community, committed to multilateralism and a rules-based international order. He expressed strong support for the UN’s central role in global governance and its efforts to coordinate multilateral actions and propose global solutions.

Vietnam, he said, is ready to contribute more to the UN’s work. He also called on Baerbock to support Vietnamese personnel seeking positions within the UN, including in the Office of the General Assembly President.

Later that day, President Cuong attended the high-level climate action summit co-chaired by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The event brought together heads of state and government as well as representatives from international organizations.

Secretary-General Guterres stated that clean energy is driving economic development and sustainability while creating jobs. He noted that if nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are fully implemented, the global temperature increase could be limited to under 3°C - better than previous projections of 4°C. He urged countries to propose new, more ambitious targets.

As COP30 Chair, President Lula said the upcoming UN climate conference will serve as a platform for frank dialogue. He encouraged all nations to submit updated NDCs ahead of the event.

In his address, President Luong Cuong emphasized that Vietnam, as one of the countries most affected by climate change, is fully aware of the need to harmonize economic growth with environmental protection and climate resilience.

He said Vietnam is continuously improving its legal and policy framework to support green and just transitions, enhance climate adaptation, and fulfill its commitments. The country is also bolstering the resilience of vulnerable communities and regions.

President Cuong called on countries to fully and promptly fulfill climate finance commitments, particularly in supporting a just transition, ensuring social welfare, job creation, and aiding workers and vulnerable groups.

He also urged the global community to intensify technology transfer efforts, especially in advanced, clean, and efficient technologies to foster green growth and a circular economy.

Tran Thuong