Japan, Mekong countries seek closer ties

Under the strategy, Japan pledged to give aid in official development assistance to five Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, and affirmed the importance of resolving the East Sea disputes through peaceful measures.

Leaders of the event recognized the significant results achieved in all three pillars of cooperation. Speaking at the conference, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung pointed out three key areas of cooperation that the Mekong – Japan Strategy should focus on in the future. In particular, it should prioritize building an economic foundation for stable growth, balancing between economic growth and environmental protection, and ensuring peace and stability for development. The new Tokyo Strategy 2015 was passed with the overall objective to ensure regional stability and achieve quality growth in the Mekong sub-region.

To accomplish these goals, Japan will provide aid worth 750 billion yen in official development assistance for Mekong countries. We will take into consideration the strengths of the Mekong countries and encourage the private sectors to participate more and build multi-layered cooperation with them.

Leaders at the summit affirmed the importance of strengthening cooperation to ensure maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and aviation, and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international laws. Prime Minister Dung noted that disputes in the East Sea are complicated. They are in violation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and will result in greater tensions in the region.

Leaders at the summit expressed their concerns over recent developments in the East Sea, diminishing trust and affecting peace, security and stability in the region. They called for all parties involved to restrain the use of force, change the status quo, and resolve disputes in accordance with international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, UNCLOS 1982.

Japan and member countries pledged to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight amid rising tensions over China’s build-up of reefs in disputed waters. In a joint statement issued at the summit, they called for swift agreement on a code of conduct, reiterating their concern over recent developments that may undermine the region’s stability. Separately, Japan will provide $6.1 billion over three years to develop infrastructure and conserve the environment.