Climate Change Summit Proceeds with Greetings Omitted Considering Speeches by 40 Leaders
Screen Switches to Putin During Macron's Speech
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met face-to-face via video conference for the first time. Russian President Vladimir Putin also made a late appearance due to technical issues, speaking earlier than scheduled in an unexpected turn of events.
The three leaders attended the climate change summit held via video conference at 8 a.m. local time on the 22nd, at the invitation of President Biden.
After President Biden announced his goal to reduce carbon emissions by half compared to 2005 levels by 2030, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke, followed by President Xi.
According to the White House broadcast, President Biden watched President Xi speak after being introduced by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Although it was a video connection, this was the first time President Biden directly looked at President Xi’s face. The two leaders had previously spoken once by phone.
When it was President Xi’s turn to speak, President Biden and President Xi did not exchange separate greetings or brief conversations. According to the event broadcast, the meeting, attended by about 40 leaders, allotted approximately three minutes for each speech without greetings or dialogue.
Russian President Vladimir Putin suddenly appeared on screen after French President Emmanuel Macron’s speech was interrupted due to technical difficulties.
After a technical issue interrupted the remarks of Emmanuel Macron, President of France, Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, appeared on the screen looking around.
After President Macron’s speech was abruptly cut off, Secretary Blinken called on President Putin repeatedly, but Putin hesitated briefly without speaking before starting his remarks.
Secretary Blinken explained that there had been technical issues. President Putin began speaking late and spoke for about five minutes, longer than the other leaders.
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