Leaders of Mekong countries and Japan agreed on three future cooperation pillars, namely enhancing connectivity through the establishment of transnational transport corridors, developing information and communication infrastructure, and modernizing customs sector.
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The overview of the 4th Mekong-Japan Summit
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The agreement as reached at the 4th Mekong-Japan Summit held in Tokyo on April 21 with the presence of Government chiefs of Japan, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
The leaders pledged to boost economic and trade linkages and heighten Mekong region’s position in the global value chain by adopting industrial development programs and improving business environment.
They also agreed to beef up environmental protection security cooperation, focusing on global climate change response, sustainable use of Mekong water resources, food security…
At the Summit, Japan informed to provide JPY 600 billion in official development assistance over the next three years and Thailand committed to contributing JPY 883 million to support Mekong countries.
Regarding regional and international issues, the leaders affirmed their common stance on issues like Korean peninsula, non-proliferation of weapons of nuclear and mass destruction, and United Nations reform.
For East Sea, the participating countries stressed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, safety and maritime freedom as it is the common interest of countries in the region and the world.
Relevant parties need to solve disputes in the East Sea through peaceful measures on the basis of mutual understanding and respect, observation of international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), strict and full implementation of the DOC and working towards a Code of Conduct (COC).
Speaking at the Summit, PM Nguyen Tan Dung reaffirmed Vietnam’s support for Mekong-Japan cooperation mechanism.
Priority should be given to specific cooperative fields, especially in finding long-term solutions for sustainable use of Mekong water resources. At first, there should be a comprehensive scientific research of the impacts of Mekong water resources exploitation.
PM Dung also put forward the initiative of developing multimodal transport system to enhance connectivity among regional economic corridors.
The Summit wrapped up on the same day.