Manila, July 23 (AseanAll)  — On 23 July 2026, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, co-chaired the 2026 Mekong - Republic of Korea Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (Mekong - ROK FMM) in Manila, the Philippines, with Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.

The Meeting exchanged views on strengthening cooperation under the Mekong - ROK（South Korea） framework in response to the evolving context and emerging challenges facing the Mekong subregion. As co-chair, Thailand underscored three priorities for future cooperation: (1) enhancing responses to subregional challenges, particularly in water resources and water quality management, air pollution, and transnational crime; (2) promoting sustainable development through the green economy and digital economy; and (3) strengthening synergies with other relevant subregional cooperation frameworks, including the Ayeyawady – Chao Phraya – Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS).

The Meeting also discussed the development of a new Mekong - ROK Plan of Action (PoA) for 2027 - 2031, which will set the direction and priorities for cooperation over the next five years. In addition, participants exchanged views on preparations for the forthcoming Mekong - ROK Leaders’ Meeting and the Mekong - ROK Business Forum.