In his new role as special presidential climate envoy, 2004 presidential candidate John Kerry was among the attendees at a virtual meeting concerning the climate on January 22, which was organised by the Danish foreign minister, Jeppe Kofod.
Also in attendance were EU high representative Josep Borell and EU Commission vice president Frans Timmermanns.
Kofod emphasised how the meeting underlined the strong standing of Danish climate diplomacy, expressing his pleasure that Kerry was able to attend, as it marks the way for the US’s new commitment to fighting climate change under new president Joe Biden.
Back on track
On the day of his inauguration President Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement, in order to recommit the USA to combating climate change. This means the USA and Denmark are once again partners in the global climate agenda.
Jeppe Kofod has welcomed the recommitment saying, “we have been missing the USA for the last four years, and without the active participation from their side, we would never reach the climate goals of the accord”.
In December 2020, EU head of states and governments agreed to increasing the common EU target to a reduction of at least 55% by 2030.
Corona-infected travellers entered from Dubai via false test results
The Danish authorities have confirmed that 33 people who recently arrived from Dubai with documentation proving they did not have coronavirus were in fact infected. It vindicated their suspicion that false results are being issued in the UAE and their decision to last week ban flights from the country for five days. The first known case of the South African variant in Denmark also originated from Dubai.
Denmark and China’s foreign ministers in talks
The foreign minister, Jeppe Kofod, has spoken with the Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, for the first time in two years. They discussed several issues, including global development, strategic partnerships and human rights. The amicable meeting ended with them discussing the possibility of Kofod visiting China once travel restrictions are lifted.
Denmark to play leading role at UN summit on energy
Denmark has been given the leading role as ‘Global Theme Champion’ in the upcoming UN General Assembly on sustainable energy. Filling the role, Denmark will be the leader of energy change within the UN. Denmark will lead the preparations with Brazil, Columbia, India and the UK.
EU president and Kofod demanding the release of Navalny in Russia
EU President Charles Michel and the foreign minister, Jeppe Kofod, are both demanding the immediate release of Putin critic Alexai Navalny in Moscow. Kofod contends the arrest was both predictable and unacceptable. Navalny was arrested after returning from Germany where he was helped to recover from a poison attack in Russia last year.
PM congratulates Biden on his inauguration
PM Mette Frederiksen took to Facebook to congratulate Joe Biden on his inauguration as the 46th president of the USA. She has shared her thoughts on the countries’ strong relationship and how they will work together on issues such as climate and to overcome the struggles of the current COVID pandemic. She has also congratulated Kamala Harris on becoming the first female vice president of the USA.
