In a significant move to promote sustainable development in the Mekong sub-region, Cambodia and South Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their bilateral cooperation under the Mekong-Republic of Korea (ROK) partnership. This comes as Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, His Excellency Sok Chenda Sophea, participated in the 12th Mekong-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held on July 26, 2024, in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
The meeting highlighted the positive progress and fruitful development achieved under the Mekong-ROK Cooperation since its inception in 2011. The cooperation has contributed to strengthening sub-regional connectivity, promoting competitiveness, narrowing the development gap, and building a more resilient community. The Foreign Ministers also commended the successful organization of the 11th Mekong-ROK Business Forum co-chaired by Cambodia and South Korea last November, which provided an opportunity for strengthening business partnership and further deepening economic cooperation.
The meeting emphasized the importance of further strengthening Mekong-ROK Cooperation based on the three pillars of People, Prosperity, and Peace, as well as the seven priority areas outlined in the Mekong-Han Declaration. The Deputy Prime Minister appreciated South Korea’s crucial role in promoting sustainable development in the sub-region through official development assistance and welcomed the country’s recent commitment to increase its financial contribution to the Mekong-ROK Cooperation Fund to 10 million USD by 2027.
Cambodia also expressed gratitude to South Korea for supporting mine action in Cambodia, with a focus on eradicating the negative impact of mines/ERW and achieving the 18th Sustainable Development Goal. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted five priority areas for future cooperation, including Human Resources Development, Climate Change Adaptation, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Non-traditional Security Issues.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on regional and international issues of common concern. As the Mekong-ROK Cooperation continues to evolve, Cambodia and South Korea remain committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable development in the sub-region.
The 12th Mekong-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and South Korea. The meeting’s emphasis on sustainability and inclusive development reflects the shared values of both nations, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in promoting prosperity and peace in the region.
As Cambodia continues to navigate the complexities of regional and international affairs, its commitment to sustainable development and people-centered diplomacy remains unwavering. The Mekong-ROK Cooperation is an exemplary model of bilateral cooperation that can serve as a template for other regional partnerships.
Conclusion:
The strengthened Mekong-ROK Cooperation marks a significant milestone in Cambodia’s foreign policy agenda, underscoring the country’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth in the region. As Cambodia continues to navigate the complexities of regional and international affairs, its partnership with South Korea serves as a powerful example of the potential for bilateral cooperation to drive positive change.