Ambassador Arunrung Phothong Humphreys attended the Mekong - Japan Cooperation (MJ) Senior Officials’ Meeting in preparation for the upcoming Foreign Ministers' Meeting where she called on member countries to ensure access to vaccines for all, enhance supply chain connectivity and rethink a future growth model for the Mekong sub-region in the post-COVID19 era.
On 29 July 2021, H.E. Ms. Arunrung Phothong Humphreys, Ambassador Attached to the Ministry for Mekong Cooperation, attended the Mekong - Japan Cooperation (MJ) Senior Officials’ Meeting via video conference in preparation for the upcoming 14th Mekong - Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled to be held in August 2021.
The meeting reviewed the progress of Mekong - Japan Cooperation. In this regard, the Mekong countries expressed their appreciation for Japan’s long-standing and constructive engagement in the sub-region, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, investment, technical assistance and human resource development. They also extended their sincere thanks to Japan for donation of medical equipment and vaccines to assist in the sub-regional efforts in a fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, the meeting exchanged views on the future direction of MJ, particularly in the post-COVID-19 economic recovery. The representatives of Thailand and other Mekong countries concurred that Japan and the Mekong sub-region should focus on strengthening supply chain connectivity, accelerating digital transformation and promoting a future growth model that is sustainable, environmentally friendly and inclusive of all stakeholders. The meeting also discussed formulation of the new Tokyo Strategy 2021 that gives priorities to responses to multiple challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and sub-regional economic recovery.
In addition, the Senior Officials of Mekong countries took the opportunity to congratulate their Japanese counterpart on the excellent organisation of the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
Mekong - Japan Cooperation (MJ) was established in 2008, comprising five Mekong countries and Japan as members. Currently guided by the Tokyo Strategy 2018, MJ has three main pillars, namely (1) Vibrant and Effective Connectivity (2) People-Centred Society and (3) Realisation of a Green Mekong.