Tokyo (VNA) – Leaders of the Mekong subregion countries and Japan decided to lift the two sides’cooperation to a strategic partnership at the 10th Mekong-Japan Summit Meetingin Tokyo on October 9.

The event, chaired by Japanese Prime MinisterShinzo Abe, was attended by Vietnamese PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Cambodian PM HunSen, Lao PM Thongloun Sisoulith, Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, and Myanmar StateCounsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

The leaders reviewed cooperation over the pastyears, discussed major orientations for cooperation in the time ahead, andexchanged views on some international and regional issues.

They shared the view that 10 years since itsfoundation, Mekong-Japan cooperation has recorded many achievements in linewith the set directions which are building a Mekong region of long-term peace andstability; developing economy and actively contributing to ASEAN integration;and sustainable development through regular high-level meetings, discussions oncooperation at all levels, and implementation of concrete projects inspecialised fields in each period.

Regarding the New Tokyo Strategy 2015 for2016-2018, they welcomed the implementation of hundreds of projects in multipleareas, helping to improve infrastructure connectivity and promote economic –industrial cohesion and people-to-people exchange between Japan and the Mekongregion.

The Mekong leaders appreciated Japan’s provision ofover 750 billion JPY in assistance for 2016-2018.

Agreeing to lift Mekong-Japan cooperation to thestrategic partnership, the two sides said cooperation in the time ahead willfocus on three main pillars, namely vibrant and effective connectivity,people-centred society, and cooperation in health care, education and justice.

The summit agreed to organise the Mekong-JapanExchange Year 2019 to enhance understanding and exchange among people of the Mekong countries and Japan. They also agreed to realise a “green Mekong”, focusingon fostering collaboration with international and regional organisations,especially the Mekong River Commission, in managing and sustainably usingMekong water resources. The countries will work together to cope with climatechange; reduce, treat and recycle waste; and preserve and sustainably usefisheries resources.

At the event, the participants also talked aboutmany global and regional affairs, including the East Sea and Korean Peninsulaissues. They reaffirmed the common pledge to maintain and promote peace, securityand stability in the region, while resolving disputes by peaceful means,including fully respecting legal and diplomatic processes and not threateningor using force, in accordance with widely recognised principles ofinternational law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law ofthe Sea (UNCLOS).

Speaking at the meeting, PM Phuc emphasised therole of and contributions by Mekong-Japan cooperation to the realisation of theASEAN Community Vision 2025 and to regional peace, stability and development.Mekong-Japan cooperation projects have helped give considerable changes toinfrastructure, human resources development and environmental protection in the Mekong nations.

He also affirmed Vietnam’s commitment tocontinuing to work closely with Japan and other Mekong subregion members to promotecooperation.

Suggesting cooperation directions for the timeahead, the PM said the two sides should step up transport connectivity,including Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway and waterway transport between Vietnam andCambodia, and energy connectivity within the Mekong region as well as between theregion and non-Mekong countries.

He suggested improving soft infrastructureconnectivity, and building and implementing agreements and coordinationmechanisms on facilitating transport, trade and digital connectivity among themember nations. The countries should also boost industrial connectivity andprioritise the development of supporting industries; increase people-to-peopleconnectivity, especially through education and training; and sign agreements onmutual recognition of vocational training diplomas and certificates.

They also need to realise the joint vision on agreen Mekong with a focus on cooperation in sustainably managing waterresources, protecting the environment, responding to climate change, anddeveloping smart and sustainable agriculture, he added.

PM Phuc recommended a Mekong-Japan innovationnetwork be set up to foster connectivity and exchange among research, inventionand startup centres of Japan and the Mekong countries.

The summit high valued and reflected theVietnamese leader’s proposals in its documents.

In terms of global and regional issues, PM Phucwelcomed the positive outcomes of the bilateral summits between the DemocraticPeople’s Republic of Korea and the US and the Republic of Korea. He voiced hissupport for the denuclearisation in the whole Korean Peninsula in a peacefulmanner and in line with resolutions of the UN Security Council.

He asserted that Vietnam will keep coordinatingwith Japan and the international community to solve humanitarian issues,including abduction, condemning the kidnapping of citizens between countries.

With regard to the East Sea issue, he recognisedsome positive improvements in negotiations but also voiced his concern over thefact that complex developments remain in the waters. He stressed the urgency ofensuring peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation in andoverflight over the East Sea, calling for adherence to the 1982 UNCLOS, fulland effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties inthe East Sea, and soon finalisation of an efficient and effective Code ofConduct in the East Sea.

At the end of the meeting, the leaders adoptedthe Tokyo Strategy 2018 for Mekong-Japan Cooperation in the 2019-2021period.-VNA