In a significant development in the realm of regional diplomacy, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has played a pivotal role in shaping the new three-year action plan for the Mekong-US Partnership. The initiative, aimed at promoting economic connectivity, food security, health, education, governance, women’s empowerment, environmental protection, and transnational crime prevention, marks an important milestone in Cambodia’s commitment to sustainable regional development.
On 27 July 2024, during the Third Mekong-US Partnership Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Vientiane, His Excellency SOK Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, participated in the discussions. The meeting marked a significant milestone in the 15-year history of cooperation between Cambodia and the United States under the Lower Mekong Initiative, which was later expanded to become the Mekong-US Partnership (MUSP) in 2020.
The ministers reviewed the substantial achievements of programs and activities under the MUSP Plan of Action 2021-2023, which covered a range of areas including economic connectivity, food security, health, education, governance, women’s empowerment, environmental protection, and transnational crime prevention. The meeting also saw the adoption of a Joint Co-Chairs’ Statement and the new MUSP Plan of Action 2024-2026.
Cambodia’s Minister expressed his appreciation for the US Government’s steady support and assistance in achieving sustainable regional development under the MUSP framework. He lauded the tangible benefits of the previous action plan and welcomed the launch of the new one, which aims to strengthen long-standing cooperative ties and provide a concrete roadmap to realize common aspirations.
The new action plan is expected to promote fruitful achievements under joint collaborative efforts with Thailand as the incoming co-chair of the Partnership in 2025. The ministers congratulated Thailand on its appointment and looked forward to working together to achieve significant outcomes.
In conclusion, the adoption of the new MUSP Plan of Action 2024-2026 marks an important step forward for Cambodia’s commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development. With the United States as a key partner, Cambodia is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of the Mekong region.
Key Highlights of the New MUSP Plan of Action
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• Promotes economic connectivity and food security
• Enhances health, education, governance, women’s empowerment, environmental protection, and transnational crime prevention
• Strengthens long-standing cooperative ties between Cambodia and the US
• Provides a concrete roadmap to realize common aspirations
The new MUSP Plan of Action is expected to have a significant impact on regional development, and Cambodia is well-positioned to contribute to its implementation and success.