In his speech at the meeting, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai said the decision is clear recognition of Vietnam’s sustained efforts and strong determination in its energy transition and global climate action. Becoming an associate country is particularly important as Vietnam enters a new stage of development, remaining steadfast in its goal of carbon neutrality and green energy transition.

Affirming Vietnam’s strong support for the common vision of building a truly global energy organisation that reflects emerging energy trends and balances the interests of member and associate countries, Ambassador Trinh Duc Hai said Vietnam stands ready to contribute proactively to global energy dialogues.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA, said member countries value cooperation with Vietnam that continues to deepen, aimed at a global energy system that is secure, sustainable and affordable. He stressed that Vietnam, a country of more than 100 million people with potential in solar power, hydropower and gas, as well as prospects for nuclear energy in the coming period, will be an important associate country of the IEA.

According to the IEA Executive Director, the event once again affirms Vietnam’s strong commitment to contributing actively to global energy dialogues and working together to build a secure, sustainable and prosperous energy future.

The IEA is a leading global energy forum. It is not only a reputable international organisation but also a key forum for ensuring energy security and promoting sustainable clean energy transition. Becoming an associate country allows Vietnam closer access to resources, policy analysis and international experience in the context of energy globalisation.

Held in Paris on February 18-19, the IEA Ministerial Meeting 2026 brought together nearly 60 ministers and senior leaders from member and associate countries, along with dozens of chief executives from leading global energy and technology corporations such as EDF, TotalEnergies and Shell.

The meeting sought to agree on strategic directions to strengthen energy security in the era of electrification, while ensuring that the energy transition proceeds in a secure, sustainable and cost-effective manner for all countries.

At the meeting, the IEA formally recognised Colombia as its 33rd member, launched the accession process to admit Brazil as a full member, and announced that India has entered the final stage of its accession process for full membership.

UNDP pledges to support Vietnam in green energy transition

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) stands ready to support the Vietnamese government in the detailed formulation and implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) resource mobilisation plan right in 2023, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Ramla Al Khalidi has affirmed.