In a statement released on 13 Aug 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced that Deputy Prime Minister SOK Chenda Sophea will lead a delegation to participate in the Ninth Mekong-Lancang Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The meeting, themed “Towards a Safer and Cleaner Mekong-Lancang Community,” aims to review progress under the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) mechanism and address emerging challenges.
The MLC is a regional cooperation framework aimed at promoting economic growth, social development, and environmental protection in the Mekong sub-region. Cambodia plays a key role in this initiative, having been an active participant in the Fourth MLC Leaders’ Meeting in December last year. The country has pledged to implement the substantive outcomes of the meeting, including addressing emerging challenges and exploring ways to improve cooperation.
During his visit to Chiang Mai, Deputy Prime Minister Sophea will join other MLC foreign ministers to pay a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. He is also expected to engage in bilateral talks with other foreign ministers to strengthen ties and cooperation under bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
Cambodia’s participation in the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation highlights its commitment to regional stability and economic growth. The country has sought to strengthen its relationships with neighboring countries, including Thailand, to promote peace and prosperity in the region. This initiative also reflects Cambodia’s desire to contribute to the development of the Mekong sub-region as a whole.
The Ninth Mekong-Lancang Foreign Ministers’ Meeting marks an important milestone in the implementation of the Five-Year Plan of Action on the MLC (2023-2027). The meeting will provide an opportunity for foreign ministers to review progress, address emerging challenges, and explore ways to improve cooperation. By participating in this initiative, Cambodia demonstrates its commitment to regional stability and economic growth.
Key Highlights:
- The Ninth Mekong-Lancang Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will take place on 16 Aug 2024 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
- Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister SOK Chenda Sophea will lead a delegation to participate in the meeting.
- The meeting aims to review progress under the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) mechanism and address emerging challenges.
- Deputy Prime Minister Sophea will also engage in bilateral talks with other foreign ministers to strengthen ties and cooperation.
In conclusion, Cambodia’s participation in the Ninth Mekong-Lancang Foreign Ministers’ Meeting reflects its commitment to regional stability and economic growth. By strengthening its relationships with neighboring countries and contributing to regional development initiatives, Cambodia seeks to promote peace and prosperity in the Mekong sub-region.