The Republic of Korea (RoK) values and is committed to comprehensive cooperation with the Mekong sub-region, where connectivity is a priority. Given the deepening and closely-knit relations between the Mekong partners and the RoK, the focus will be on addressing common challenges, meeting the needs of the sub-region, and connecting key areas.

This statement was made by H. E. Choi Yoongsam, Ambassador of the RoK to Vietnam, at a seminar with the theme “Advancing Mekong-RoK connectivity within ASEAN-RoK partnership” organized jointly on December 11 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the RoK in Vietnam.

The RoK is committed to coordinating efforts with Mekong countries to narrow the development gap in the sub-region through policies and initiatives, including the ASEAN-RoK Cooperation Initiative (KASI) and Mekong-RoK cooperation, Ambassador Choi noted. The RoK Government is actively working to rejuvenate high-level Mekong-RoK cooperation and focusing on cooperation with the sub-region in areas such as water resource management, agriculture, rural development, and climate change.

For his part, Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu emphasized the support from development partners, including RoK, in effectively connecting the sub-region. He highly appreciated the RoK’s strong commitment and effective support for the Mekong sub-region. Connectivity cooperation remains a priority in the Mekong-RoK partnership. He underscored Vietnam’s coordination with ASEAN countries and partners to harmonize the sub-region’s development with shared development goals and the overall ASEAN connectivity plan. Vietnam affirms its commitment to collaborate with the RoK and Mekong countries in building a peaceful and prosperous sub-region.

Analysts and participants from five Mekong countries, the RoK, the ASEAN Secretariat, representatives from various Vietnamese ministries and sectors, and diplomatic missions in Hanoi, focused discussions at the seminar on the current situation and challenges in connectivity within the sub-region. Topics included: Missing cross-border linkages and infrastructure investment gaps in the Mekong sub-region; Digital connectivity and transformation; Logistics for regional connectivity; and Tourism - Reconnecting in the post-pandemic era.

Analysts believe that connectivity helps countries recover and develop their economies, facilitates investment and trade, builds an efficient logistics system, narrows the development gap, promotes cultural exchange and tourism, supports landlocked countries, and creates momentum for sustainable development covering the sub-region.

Participants at the event greatly appreciated the RoK’s emphasis on promoting Mekong-RoK cooperation and connectivity within the ASEAN-RoK partnership, and commended the RoK’s support for the sub-region through the Mekong-RoK Cooperation Fund and the ASEAN-RoK Cooperation Fund.