Vietnam and Republic of Korea boost cooperation within APEC and Mekong frameworks: Deputy Foreign Minister
WVR - On December 18-19, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang led the Vietnamese delegation to participate in activities in Republic of Korea within the framework of Mekong – Republic of Korea Korea Cooperation (MKC), with Vietnam co-chairing the MKC mechanism in 2025.
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On this occasion, the Deputy Minister worked with the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enhance coordination within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
On December 19 in Seoul, Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang chaired and delivered a keynote speech at the Opening Session of the Mekong Leadership Training Program under the Mekong Leadership and Capacity Building Program (Mekong LEAD – Mekong BUILD).
Attending the opening were Vietnamese Ambassador to Republic of Korea Vu Ho, leaders of the Mekong - Republic of Korea Water Resources Center, Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) leaders, and representatives from ministries, sectors, and localities of the Mekong countries and Republic of Korea.
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| Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang delivers a keynote speech at the Mekong Leadership Program under the Mekong LEAD, Mekong BUILD framework hosted by Vietnam. (Photo: Chu Van) |
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang emphasized that MKC cooperation over the past 15 years has brought practical benefits to member countries. The MKCF fund has provided $28 million to implement 61 projects, with the Mekong LEAD – Mekong BUILD project being recognized as highly effective and successful in promoting capacity building and research cooperation.
To ensure the project results contribute more substantively to MKC cooperation, the Deputy Minister suggested that this training program focus on sharing experiences and enhancing policy-making capacity in three areas: First, strengthening Mekong - Republic of Korea cooperation to support members in enhancing their adaptability to rapid global and regional changes.
Second, boosting the capacity of Mekong countries to keep pace with green and digital transformation trends, thereby enhancing the region's competitiveness.
Third, promoting the participation, contribution, and capacity building of localities in Mekong countries to address increasingly acute non-traditional challenges.
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| Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang and the Vietnamese delegation work with the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on coordination within the APEC and Mekong frameworks. (Photo: Chu Van) |
South Korean partners and delegates from Mekong countries highly appreciated Vietnam's core role in the sustainable development of the sub-region and congratulated Vietnam on successfully co-chairing the MKC mechanism in 2025.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' first-time organization of the Mekong Leadership Program in South Korea was also recognized by delegates as an initiative contributing to raising awareness in Republic of Korea about the potential for cooperation with the Mekong sub-region.
The Mekong Leadership Training Program, organized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Can Tho University and Daejin University, South Korea, is taking place from December 19-23, 2025, with the participation of representatives from ministries, sectors, and localities from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Republic of Korea.
Earlier, on December 18, Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang held meetings with Ambassador Lim-Ki-mo, Deputy Secretary-General of APEC 2025, Ambassador Kim Jiun, Senior Executive Director, along with representatives from sub-committees of the APEC Korea 2025 Office, APEC Korea SOM Leader Lee Ji-yoon, and Mekong Korea SOM Leader Lee Dong-gy.
Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang highly appreciated Republic of Korea's role as host and its significant contributions to the APEC Forum in 2025; congratulated the success of APEC 2005, especially the APEC Leaders' Week; and emphasized that the success of APEC 2025 has contributed to promoting the spirit of cooperation and dialogue, regional economic integration, and enhancing APEC's role as the leading economic cooperation forum in the Asia-Pacific region.
Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang and the Vietnamese delegation discussed with South Korean partners the evaluation of new development trends and the direction of APEC cooperation in the coming years, especially as Vietnam assumes the role of host for APEC 2027.
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| Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang leads the Vietnamese delegation in hosting activities within the Mekong - Republic of Korea cooperation framework. (Photo: Chu Van) |
Republic of Korea highly values Vietnam's role, reputation, proactiveness, positivity, and responsible contributions within APEC; appreciates Vietnam's early establishment of the National Committee and Secretariat to prepare for hosting APEC 2027.
Republic of Korean partners also shared experiences in preparing and organizing APEC 2025, affirming their support and close cooperation with Vietnam within the APEC framework. Both sides agreed to continue maintaining regular consultations and exchanges, enhancing coordination to ensure the success of APEC 2027, contributing to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the region.
On this occasion, Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang, on behalf of the Mekong countries, expressed gratitude and appreciation to the South Korean Government for its support and assistance in the sustainable development of the Mekong sub-region and enhancing capacity to address non-traditional security challenges. Activities within the Mekong – Republic of Korea cooperation framework, especially projects supported by the Mekong – Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund, have brought practical and direct benefits to people and businesses.
The Deputy Minister suggested that the two countries coordinate to promote Mekong sub-regional cooperation, jointly finding solutions to major challenges facing the sub-region, especially sustainable water resource management, climate change response, sea level rise, while seizing opportunities from new trends for strong growth in the era of innovation.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and South Korea continues to develop strongly, substantively, and effectively across all fields, providing a solid foundation for the two countries to enhance close and trustworthy coordination at multilateral forums, especially within the APEC and Mekong – Republic of Korea frameworks.
