In a significant move to promote regional stability and prosperity, Cambodia will jointly implement the Mekong-Japan Cooperation Strategy 2024. This initiative marks a key milestone in the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Mekong-Japan Cooperation, which has reflected an enduring partnership and remarkable progress in cooperation among its member states.
The Foreign Ministers of the Mekong countries and Japan gathered for the 15th Mekong-Japan Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on July 26, 2024, in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The meeting was attended by His Excellency SOK Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
During the meeting, the Foreign Ministers expressed their appreciation for the successful implementation of the Tokyo Strategy over the years, which has yielded numerous tangible outcomes focused on three pillars: connectivity, people-centered society, and green Mekong. The Tokyo Strategy 2018 has been instrumental in advancing cooperation among the Mekong countries and Japan, particularly in the areas of sustainable development, disaster prevention, and COVID-19 response.
Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister extended his gratitude to the Japanese government for providing invaluable financial support and assistance under the Mekong-Japan Cooperation framework. This support has enabled Cambodia to enhance its regional connectivity and supply chains through various development projects, including the Development of National Data Center towards Promoting E-Government, Sihanoukville port, and the enhancement of National Road No. 5.
The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed Cambodia’s full support for the Mekong-Japan Cooperation Strategy 2024, which focuses on three pillars: resilience and connected society in the post-COVID-19 world, digitalization, and proactive response to non-traditional security issues. This strategy is expected to produce more people-centered and pragmatic development, particularly through public-private investments that support agriculture, health, human resources, industry, MSMEs, connectivity, finance, digital technology, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the “Mekong-Japan Cooperation Strategy 2024”, which sets out the future direction for Mekong-Japan Cooperation towards the path of enduring peace, stability, and prosperity in the Mekong sub-region. This strategic move is seen as a significant step forward in promoting regional cooperation and advancing Cambodia’s interests in the region.
Conclusion
The joint implementation of the Mekong-Japan Cooperation Strategy 2024 underscores Cambodia’s commitment to strengthening its ties with Japan and promoting regional stability and prosperity. By working together, the Mekong countries and Japan can advance sustainable development, disaster prevention, and COVID-19 response, while also enhancing connectivity and supply chains across the region. As Cambodia continues to navigate the complexities of regional politics, this strategic move is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of regional cooperation.