Fiji's prime minister Frank Bainimarama says Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement is deeply disappointing.
Mr Bainimarama who is president of the next major climate change talks, COP23, said it's especially disappointing for people in vulnerable nations.
US President Donald Trump announces his decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Climate Accords in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, on June 1, 2017. Photo: SAUL LOEB / AFP
The American president said the deal disadvantaged the United States, and that he hoped to seek "a better deal".
Mr Bainimarama said he did what he could to persuade Mr Trump otherwise but he's encouraged by the commitment being shown by countries including China, India, and members of the European Union.
Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama addressing climate change talks consultations in Bonn, May 2017 Photo: Supplied
He said they would continue to lead the process, and said he was sure the US government would eventually rejoin the struggle.
Mr Bainimarama said as incoming president he'll do everything possible to accelerate the momentum by "forging a grand coalition of governments, civil society, the private sector and ordinary people.