VietNamNet Bridge – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung joined his Japanese, Cambodian and Lao counterparts, the President of Myanmar and the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand at the Mekong – Japan Summit in Tokyo on December 14.

Speaking at the event, chaired by Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, PM Dung reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to Mekong – Japan cooperation and highly valued achievements attained during the implementation of the Tokyo Strategy 2012 for Mekong-Japan Cooperation.

He highlighted the importance of the regional connectivity, particularly the completion of infrastructure and transport routes. He also proposed several concrete cooperation contents to connect the Mekong region with ASEAN island nations and those in the Indian Ocean region as well as to improve the connectivity in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region.

The PM stressed the urgency of cooperation among countries in environmental protection, climate change adaptation and management of the Mekong River’s water resource towards sustainable, stable, and long-term development in the region.

He also asked relevant sides to work closely to soon finish the Mekong River Commission (MRC)’s study on the sustainable development and management of the Mekong River, including impacts by mainstream hydropower projects.

At the summit, the leaders expressed their pleasure at the strong development of the partnership for the common flourishing future between Mekong countries and Japan through an array of projects and activities from developing infrastructure, facilitating trade and investment, protecting environment to training human resources.

The leaders reaffirmed commitments to enhancing the connectivity in the Mekong region, particularly through developing economic corridors and regional supply chain, improving business and investment environment, and promoting public-private cooperation.

At the event, the leaders agreed to foster medical cooperation, especially in preventive medicine, maternal and child health care, communicable diseases and technology application.

They welcomed Japan’s announcement that it will implement cooperation programmes on cultural, arts and sports exchanges as well as teaching Japanese language to further mutual understanding between Mekong countries and Japan.

The participants emphasized the vital importance of sustainable management and development of water and relating resources of the Mekong River.

They also lauded Japan’s commitment to continuing its assistance to developing countries in climate change and disaster risk resilience.

The leaders adopted a mid-term review statement of the Tokyo Strategy 2012, affirming their determination to jointly reinforce Mekong – Japan cooperation for the regional prosperity, stability and sustainable development.

They agreed that Myanmar will be the host of the sixth Mekong – Japan Summit in 2014.

The same day’s evening, PM Dung joined other ASEAN leaders at a gala dinner chaired by the host PM Shinzo Abe.

Source: Vietnam Plus