In the current context of unprecedented drought and salt intrusion in Vietnam, this is considered an important support for the country.
In a speech at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Fumio Kishida underscored the importance of Southeast Asia's economic prosperity to Japan. The initiative will help promote connectivity between Southeast Asian countries and Japan through funding in infrastructure and development of human resources.
"Over the next years, we will make use of $7 billion in funding to promote co-operation with the Mekong region. Japan would like to work with the countries of the Mekong region to create a framework to support efforts by the Mekong countries in a detailed manner, on a region-by-region or theme-by-theme basis", said Fumio Kishida - Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Against a backdrop where the Mekong region facing severe drought and flood due to climate change, the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs said that Japan will provide further support to mitigate the negative impacts of natural disasters via several programmes including building capacity and sharing experiences. The visit to Thailand is part of his regional tour that includes stops in China, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam.
