On July 10, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwaya Takeshi co-chaired the 16th Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The meeting served as an important occasion for Mekong countries and Japan to review the progress of cooperation in the first year of implementing the Mekong-Japan Strategy 2024 and to set directions for the next phase.

At the meeting, delegates highly appreciated the initial achievements, particularly in improving the investment environment, enhancing infrastructure connectivity, and promoting the application of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). The ministers agreed to strengthen digital transformation, develop both hard and soft infrastructure, and encourage investment in renewable energy. Japan reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing technical and financial support for Mekong countries, including Vietnam, through cooperation with organizations such as the OECD and the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC). An AI-focused workshop is expected to be held in Bangkok in August 2025 to foster the integration of AI into the regional economy.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son called for Mekong-Japan cooperation to adopt a “new mindset, new methods, and new approaches,” and proposed three key areas of focus: infrastructure connectivity, innovation and digital transformation, and sustainable development. He also underscored the role of the private sector and proposed the regular organization of the Mekong-Japan Business Forum to strengthen business-to-business engagement. This initiative was welcomed by member countries.

In the context of ongoing global supply chain shifts, the countries also underscored that ensuring the free movement of goods and people across borders is essential to strengthening economic resilience and enhancing regional connectivity.

As co-chair, Vietnam demonstrated strong leadership in advancing regional economic cooperation. The meeting also agreed to resume the Mekong - Japan Summit at the end of 2025, aiming to further deepen strategic cooperation and elevate regional connectivity in a rapidly changing global landscape.