The ninth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting concluded on a high note in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as leaders from China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam agreed to strengthen regional ties across various sectors.
Co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the meeting highlighted the LMC's role in fostering regional stability and prosperity. Wang emphasized the collective efforts of LMC countries to build a community with a shared future, bringing tangible benefits to their populations.
Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, shared insights on China's ongoing reform and modernization. He expressed China's readiness to collaborate with LMC nations to establish high-quality Belt and Road Initiative demonstration zones and pilot zones for the Global Development, Security, and Civilization Initiatives.
At the heart of the meeting, Wang presented a four-point proposal aimed at deepening Lancang-Mekong cooperation:
- Maintain Peace and Stability: Uphold a common vision for regional harmony.
- Innovation-Driven Development: Bridge the digital divide to foster technological advancement.
- Interconnected Development: Enhance growth momentum through integrated infrastructure.
- People-to-People Exchanges: Cultivate a vibrant Lancang-Mekong culture through increased cultural interactions.
The LMC representatives lauded the rapid growth and effectiveness of the cooperation mechanism, attributing much of its success to the LMC Special Fund, which has supported numerous projects that narrow development gaps and promote ASEAN integration.
Commitments were renewed to expand cooperation in key areas such as interconnectivity, investment, innovation, food security, energy, water resources, climate change, cultural exchanges, and combating cross-border crime. A joint press release underscored the intent to deepen collaboration on water resources management, air quality improvement, and security measures.
Additionally, a comprehensive report was unveiled, reviewing the achievements of 2023 under the LMC five-year action plan (2023-27) and outlining new projects funded by the LMC Special Fund. The report also featured a think tank analysis on building a shared future for LMC countries.
Before the official sessions, foreign ministers toured an exhibition that showcased the impactful projects funded by the LMC Special Fund, highlighting the tangible progress made in the region.
In separate meetings on the sidelines, Wang Yi engaged with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, further solidifying bilateral ties within the LMC framework.
Reference(s):
Wang Yi makes 4-point proposal on deepening Lancang-Mekong cooperation
cgtn.com
