Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the summit (Photo: VNA)Hanoi(VNA) – The 12th Mekong-Japan Summit was held online on November 13,under the chair of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Japanese counterpart Suga Yoshihide.
In hisopening remarks, PM Phuc said Mekong countries and Japan worked together to overcomethe financial crisis in 2008, and boost economic growth over the past decade.
Thesides have maintained their close coordination in the COVID-19 fight, he stressed.
ThroughMekong-Japan cooperation, hundreds of projects have been rolled out indifferent spheres, significantly contributing to socio-economic development of theMekong countries and the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.
Theleader highlighted the Tokyo Strategy 2018 for Mekong-Japan Cooperation with the three pillarsof vibrant and effective connectivity, people-centred society, and therealisation of a Green Mekong.
The strategy hasbrought about significant changes in high-quality infrastructure, humanresources development, and environmental protection in the region, he said.
PM Phuc proposed thecountries reinforce their trade and investment ties, as well as collaborationin health care, the sustainable management of Mekong River water resources, andnatural disaster and climate change response.
Addressing thesummit, PM Suga said Mekong is a centre of Asia-Pacific, recalling his recentvisit to Vietnam, during which he pledged to promote peace and cooperation in theIndo-Pacific region.
“Japan will proposeconcrete measures for the Mekong region so that we can work together forregional peace and prosperity. By doing so, I am confident that our bonds will becomeeven stronger,” the leader stressed.
Leaders of the Mekongcountries lauded the initiatives proposed by PM Suga at the summit, reiterated their efforts in pandemic combat and economic recovery, andagreed on the need to step up connectivity at this time.
They shared the viewsthat economic development should go in tandem with environmental protection, theenhancement of adaptability to climate change, sustainable use and managementof Mekong River water resources, digital transformation, and regional supply chaindevelopment.
They agreed to convene the 13th Mekong-Japan Summit in Japan in 2021.
During the 12th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines in January 2007, Japan proposed theJapan-Mekong Region Partnership Programme, focusing on three priority areas – integratingeconomies of the region and beyond, expanding trade and investment betweenJapan and the region, and pursuing universal values and common goals of theregion.
The 11th Mekong-Japan Summit was held in Thailand in November 2019, during which leadersadopted a joint statement and the Mekong-JapanInitiative for sustainable development goals towards 2030./.
VNA
