Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to the United Arab Emirates this weekend to attend a high-level climate conference, the White House said.
Ms. Harris will be in Dubai on Friday and Saturday for the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change or COP28.
“Throughout her engagements, the vice president will underscore the Biden-Harris administration’s success in delivering on the most ambitious climate agenda in history, both at home and abroad,” said Kirsten Allen, the vice president’s press secretary.
President Biden has staked out an aggressive position on climate change, including massive funding for clean-energy projects and a push to transition to electric vehicles.
Mr. Biden called President Mohamed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday and thanked him for hosting the COP28. He informed the Arab leader that Ms. Harris would be attending the conference on his behalf, the White House said.
Besides Ms. Harris, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and dozens of senior U.S. officials representing more than 20 departments and agencies will attend the conference.
Mr. Biden, who has been focused on the Israel-Hamas war and the hostages held in Gaza, is skipping this year’s climate summit.
The White House said Mr. Biden and Mr. bin Zayed discussed the situation in the Middle East “and welcomed the recent hostage deal and humanitarian pause, which has enabled a surge in assistance to the people of Gaza.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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