Phuc made the statement on October 9 when attending a joint press conference on the outcomes of the 10th Mekong-Japan Summit, together with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Cambodian PM Hun Sen, Lao PM Thongloun Sisoulith, Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
Informing reporters on the summit’s outcomes, Phuc said that the parties had exchanged experiences, and shared their views on the successes, opportunities, and challenges for Japan and Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries.
They agreed that the Mekong-Japan cooperation has gained important achievements over the past decade, thus helping expand economic, trade, and people-to-people ties between Japan and the GMS nations.
    |
 |
|
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc addresses the joint press conference on the outcomes of the 10th Mekong-Japan Summit |
Phuc stressed that with the several hundred projects already successfully implemented, the cooperation has proved to be one of the most effective mechanisms in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.
Leaders of participating countries reached a consensus on the need to intensify economic connectivity and deepen multifaceted collaboration, for the common interests of all parties, he stated.
Therefore, the decision to upgrade the Mekong-Japan cooperation is reasonable, he said, underlining that the important orientations of the freshly-approved Tokyo Strategy 2018 will create a momentum for relations.
The Vietnamese Government leader also reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitments to the Mekong-Japan cooperation, and appreciated Japan’s role in the region in targeting inclusive and sustainable development, peace, and prosperity.
Japanese PM Shinzo Abe emphasized the three main pillars of the Tokyo Strategy, namely the vibrant and effective connectivity, a people-centered society, and realizing the goal of “a green Mekong”.
Leaders of GMS countries agreed that the strategy will play an important role in their development and in stepping up the strategic partnership between Japan and these countries in the time to come.
They affirmed to maintain close cooperation with Japan in realizing the strategy to boost socio-economic development for a shared goal of building a peaceful and prosperous region.
They also welcomed Japan’s initiative to organize the Mekong-Japan Exchange Year 2019, adding that they will actively take part in all relevant activities.
Source: VNA