Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs called for universal access to vaccines and coordinated actions to restore Mekong ecosystem, and kickstarting sustainable recovery by boosting supply chain connectivity and resilience, digitalization and green growth through BCG economy model, at the 14th Mekong - Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

On 6 August 2021, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, attended the 14th Mekong - Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting via videoconference, which was chaired by H.E. Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

The Foreign Ministers of Mekong countries and Japan exchanged views on the progress made under Mekong - Japan Cooperation, especially responses to the COVID-19 pandemic which remains a global challenge, particularly access to vaccines.  In this regard, the Mekong countries expressed appreciation to Japan for the assistance and donation of medical supplies and vaccines to the Mekong sub-region.  The Meeting also discussed ways to promote economic recovery through trade, investment, tourism, MSMEs empowerment, infrastructure development, comprehensive connectivity, digitalisation, and sustainable and green growth models, including the new Tokyo Strategy to replace the current one which will be expired within this year.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister delivered his statement emphasising on the importance of universal and equitable access to vaccines and supporting trilateral cooperation in public health between Thailand and Japan to assist neighbouring countries to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.  He suggested the way forward for economic recovery in the Mekong sub-region by strengthening supply chain connectivity and enhancing its stability and resilience through travel facilitation, and the promotion of physical, software and digital connectivity, as well as digital literacy and cyber security, in order to help public, private and people’s sectors cope with the New Normal environment.  He also highlighted the need to promote a new growth model in the post-COVID-19 era, which is environmentally and climate-friendly, in the sub-region and proposed closer coordination between Thailand’s Bio - Circular - Green Economy Model and Japan’s Green Growth Strategy.  Additionally, he urged Japan and Mekong countries to step up cooperation in environmental protection, especially the restoration of Mekong River Basin’s ecosystem.

The Meeting also congratulated Japan for hosting a successful Olympic Games 2020.

Mekong - Japan Cooperation was established in 2008, comprising five Mekong countries and Japan as members. Currently guided by the Tokyo Strategy 2018, it has three main pillars, namely (1) Vibrant and Effective Connectivity (2) People-centred Society, and (3) Realisation of a Green Mekong.