ONLINE FORUM ''FROM COOPERATION TO STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP: A DECADE OF SHARED DEVELOPMENT FOR PEOPLE, PROSPERITY AND PEACE''

On October 1st, 2021, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (ROK) in Thailand and Mekong Institute (MI) hosted an online forum titled “From Cooperation to Strategic Partnership: A Decade of Shared Development for People, Prosperity and Peace” via Zoom meeting app. The forum had the participation of speakers, researchers, officials representing government agencies, the diplomatic corps, international organizations, think tanks, universities, non-government organizations, media, and business chambers and associations. Dr. Tran Dinh Lam, Director of CVSEAS, also attended the event. 

The forum was organized to commemorate 10 years of Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation. The speakers and presenters at the forum presented the progress achieved in the cooperation between ROK and MI and emphasized the roles of the New Southern Policy in strengthening the connections among ASEAN countries and expanding the community of Mekong countries and ROK.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Lee Wook-heo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Thailand, recalled the roots of cooperation among Mekong countries and ROK and believed that bond would continue to achieve the new progress in the upcoming time.

Mr. Lee Wook-heo, Ambassador of ROK at the forum

The forum included 2 main panel discussions “The Mekong-ROK Cooperation: Progress and Future Direction” and “The Role of ROK in Development of Mekong Region”. The discussion sessions focused on progress achieved in the areas of tourism and culture; human resources development; agriculture and rural development; infrastructure; information and communication technology; environment; and non-traditional security challenges. They also spotlighted priorities in strengthening pandemic response, enhancing regional supply chain resiliency, and revitalizing business activities. In addition, discussions highlighted the role of the New Southern Policy in the development of Mekong Region.

The milestones in Mekong-ROK cooperation

Mekong-ROK Cooperation on Health Security presented by Dr. Peninnah Oberdorfer

The objectives of the forum are to strengthen the cooperation, narrow the development gaps, and foster deeper appreciation of the partnership of ROK-ASEAN following the three pillars “People, Prosperity, and Peace”.

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