Vietnam puts forth initiatives for Mekong – Japan cooperation
Vietnam will work with Japan and Mekong nations to implement the 2015 Tokyo Strategy on Mekong-Japan cooperation and the Mekong-Japan Action Plan for Realisation of the New Tokyo Strategy for 2016-18.
Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (first right) and delegates participate the meeting (Source: VNA)
Manila (VNA) – Vietnam will work withJapan and Mekong nations to implement the 2015 Tokyo Strategy onMekong-Japan cooperation and the Mekong-Japan Action Plan for Realisationof the New Tokyo Strategy for 2016-2018.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister PhamBinh Minh reiterated Vietnam’s commitments at the Mekong-Japan ForeignMinisters' Meeting on the sidelines of the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’Meeting (AMM 50) in Manila, the Philippines, on August 6.
The event was attended by the Foreign Ministersfrom Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan.
To help Mekong nations participate deeply inglobal and regional value chains, the Vietnamese FM suggested developinginternational traffic corridors and logistics system so the region can serve asa bridge connecting the Indian Ocean and Asia – Pacific, and be a gate tomarkets like India and ASEAN.
Meanwhile, Japan should provide support for Mekongnations to shift toward green growth and energy saving models, to develop energywhile ensuring energy, food and water security and to use water sustainablyfrom the Mekong river while adapting to climate change, Minh said.
He also suggested Japan help Mekong countriesdevelop high-quality human resources and enhance research and development capacityto meet the demand of enterprises.
During the event, participants discussedcooperation plans and preparations for the ninth Mekong – Japan Summit Meetingslated for November.
Mekong nations lauded Japan’s support forpromoting regional connectivity, human resource development and industrialinfrastructure facilities via the Partnership for QualityInfrastructure, the Industrial Human Resource Development Cooperation Initiativesand official development assistance.
The ministers expressed their determination to boostMekong – Japan cooperation for peace, stability and prosperity in the region,and agreed to work together on other issues, including customs clearance andhuman resources.
They also pledged to strengthen cooperation withthe Mekong River Commission for economic growth.
The 11th Mekong – Japan Foreign Ministers’Summit Meeting will take place in Singapore in 2018.-VNA
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Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh had bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, and Laos in the Philippines, on August 5.
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New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
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Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
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Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
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General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (first right) and delegates participate the meeting (Source: VNA) 
