Vietnam hosted senior diplomats on Tuesday to push for closer economic ties across the Mekong subregion, urging neighbors to step up cooperation on green energy, digital technology and trade as global uncertainties mount.
Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang led discussions in the northern coastal city of Quang Ninh for upcoming summits involving Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan.
The meetings focused on preparations for the 12th CLMV Summit and the 13th Mekong-Japan Summit, marking the first time Mekong leaders and Japan will meet in six years.
At the CLMV senior officials' meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang said economic shifts over the past five years have proven the value of regional cooperation in narrowing development gaps, boosting trade, and ensuring that ASEAN integration benefits all members.
Ahead of the 12th CLMV Summit, she urged officials to focus on three main areas: updating strategic documents to match current economic needs, proposing clear initiatives for leaders on key sectors like trade, tourism, and water management, and renewing commitments with clear timelines and shared responsibilities. She added that Vietnam will work with member states and the ASEAN Secretariat to secure stronger backing from development partners and private companies.
At the Mekong-Japan senior officials' meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang noted that the partnership has made vital contributions to regional connectivity, sustainable development, non-traditional security cooperation, and mutual trust between Japan and Mekong countries. She also praised Japan for advancing cooperation under a "co-creation" approach.
Delegates from both frameworks backed Vietnam’s proposals, which will be submitted to regional leaders for final approval. Officials stressed the need to cut red tape and deliver concrete results on digital transformation, green growth, food security and disaster early warning systems.
Hosting the talks underscores Vietnam's active role in regional diplomacy and its push to strengthen ties within ASEAN and beyond.
