PM puts forward initiatives to elevate Mekong-Japan cooperation

Addressing the 10th Mekong-Japan Summit in Tokyo on October 9, PM Phuc suggested strengthening connectivity in transport, soft infrastructure, energy, education and training, and realizing the green Mekong vision. He also called for a Mekong-Japan creative network to link Japan’s research, innovation, and startup centers with Mekong nations.

The Vietnamese Prime Minister emphasized the urgent need to ensure the peace, stability, safety, security and freedom of aviation and nautical activity in the East Sea, respect the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and soon to finalize a Code of Conduct in the region.

At the summit, the leaders of Vietnam, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar agreed to upgrade Mekong-Japan cooperation to a strategic partnership, focusing on 3 pillars: effective connectivity, a people-centered society, and a green Mekong.

They renewed their commitments to promoting peace, security and stability in the region and resolving disputes by peaceful means, including respect for legal and diplomatic processes, and not using or threatening to use force of any kind, in line with international law. The participants agreed to adopt the 2018 Tokyo Strategy for cooperation until 2021.  

“Enhancing Mekong-Japan cooperation benefits all parties. The upgrading of Mekong-Japan cooperation will lay the foundation for the development of future cooperation. I believe that the 2018 Tokyo Strategy will create new momentum and spirit for Mekong-Japan cooperation,” Prime Minister Phuc told a press conference after the meeting.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the 2018 Tokyo Strategy will serve as a north star for regional countries to find their way to prosperity.