Saltwater intrusion threatens Vietnam's Mekong Delta.

Mr. Minh, who is also Vietnam’s Foreign Minister, made the appeal at an ASEMconference on climate change response toward sustainability held in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on Tuesday. He suggested that measures to be taken should include financial support for developing member countries most vulnerable to climate change.

“The conference is an important preparation for the upcoming ASEM summit in Brussels. I hope that delegates will adopt specific measures for closer ASEM cooperation,” Mr. Minh said.

Vietnam is one of 5 countries most affected by climate change while the Mekong Delta is one of 3 deltas in the world most vulnerable to sea level rise. In 2016, the Mekong Delta experienced the most severe drought and saltwater encroachment in 100 years. 

“The conference is an opportunity for ASEM members to share experiences and promote cooperation in low emission development, climate change adaptation, and utilization of human, technology and financial resources to implement the Paris Agreement,” said Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Le Cong Thanh.