During the meeting, the ministers underlined the need to boost cooperation among member countries to contain and mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. They encouraged the engagement of businesses and localities in cooperation activities. They also consented to closer coordination with ASEAN countries and in other Mekong cooperation frameworks.
Participants agreed to enhance cooperation in seven fields of priority, including culture and tourism, human resources development, agriculture and rural development, infrastructure, information and telecommunications technology, environment, and non-traditional security challenges.
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Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (Source: VNA) |
On the basis of the Mekong - Han River Declaration adopted by leaders of five Mekong countries and the RoK last November, the ministers approved an action plan for the 2021-2025 period, with specific targets and measures to develop a partnership for the people, prosperity and peace.
During the online meeting, participants also discussed regional and international issues of common concern, such as situations in the East Sea (internationally South China Sea), the Korean Peninsula, the severe drought in the Mekong River basin, and cross-border crimes. They gave the nod to strengthening cooperation to cope with common challenges.
In his speech, Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh hailed significant contributions of the Mekong - RoK cooperation to the ASEAN Community building and joint efforts in promoting regional connectivity and sustainable development.
The Vietnamese official said that prior to quick changes in the international economic and political environment, the Mekong - RoK cooperation needs strong support from member countries to overcome difficulties and take on new development opportunities.
He emphasized the need to give support to the development of high quality human resources for the industrialization process; strengthen cooperation in environment, sustainable water resource management, agriculture, and climate change adaptation; encourage local participation in cooperation activities; and increase cohesion in the building of the ASEAN Community.
Closing the meeting, the ministers adopted the Co-Chairs’ Statement of the 10th Mekong - RoK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. They also agreed on organizing the second Mekong - RoK Summit on the occasion of the 37th ASEAN Summit slated for November.
Translated by Mai Huong