The RoK President announced the “Mekong Vision” after talks with Lao leaders in Vientiane.
During his visit to a RoK-Laos joint project which is underway on the Mekong in Vientiane, together with Lao President Bounnhang Vorachith, Moon said the entire world is now paying attention to the development of the Mekong region.
The RoK hopes to prosper together with Mekong countries and expects the “miracle of the Han River” to lead to the “miracle of the Mekong River”, he added, stressing that the dynamic nature and growth potential of Mekong countries and the spirit of mutual respect, above all, will open a new future of the world.
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At talks between RoK President Moon Jae-in and Lao President Bounnhang Vorachith in Vientiane, Laos |
The three-point vision sets the goal of prosperity based on sharing experience, sustainable growth and East Asia peace and co-prosperity.
The RoK has various experiences in the development of farm villages and plans to share its know-how on manpower training and growth with other nations. It is also willing to cope with the Fourth Industrial Revolution by sharing technology with them, Moon said.
On the sustainable prosperity vision, the RoK President cited the need to protect the Mekong River from climate change and natural disasters.
He suggested the green growth strategy connect Mekong’s resources with bio and medical sectors, adding that the RoK will support the construction of roads, bridges, railways and ports among Mekong nations.
President Moon expressed hope for additional discussions on the vision at the inaugural RoK-Mekong summit, which will involve Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand, to be held in Busan of the RoK on November 27, followed by a two-day RoK-ASEAN special summit in the city to commemorate the 30th anniversary of bilateral dialogue.
Moon is the first RoK leader to make a state visit to Laos since the countries established diplomatic ties in 1974. Laos is the last stop of the RoK President’s weeklong regional trip to Southeast Asian nations, after Thailand and Myanmar.
Source: VNA