The first ministerial meeting between South Korea and the five Mekong River nations opened on Friday aimed at development and cooperation in the Mekong River region.

Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan said at the meeting that the Mekong region has growth potential with abundant resources and labor, and that South Korea is now able to open a new chapter in cooperation with the Mekong River nations including Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.

The Foreign Ministry said Friday's formal discussions officialize South Korea’s participation in the development of the Mekong River region.