AKP Phnom Penh, March 24, 2025 --

As today is the Ninth Anniversary of Mekong-Lancang Cooperation and Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Week 2025, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has viewed positively this regional framework.

On the auspicious occasion, H.E. Prak Sokhonn extended his warmest congratulations and best wishes to the people of the Mekong-Lancang sub-region, saying that this week marks a significant milestone in their journey towards peace and shared prosperity within the sub-region.

Looking ahead, H.E. Prak Sokhonn said the region must remain steadfast in the commitment to upholding the principles of mutual trust and respect, deepening its practical cooperation, and addressing emerging challenges through close collaborative approaches.

“We must make concerted efforts to promote inclusive, sustainable development while steadfastly advancing the realisation of a community with a shared future,” the Cambodian top diplomat stressed.

Cambodia remains fully committed to playing an active and constructive role in shaping a more closely integrated community, one founded on enduring peace, shared prosperity, and a common vision for the sustainable advancement of our sub-region and its people, he added.

Since its establishment in 2016, the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) has served as a vital platform for the six nations - Cambodia, People's Republic of China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam - to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchanges, and cooperation across three pillars: Political and security; Economic and sustainable development; and Social, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges for practical outcomes. 

“At its core, the MLC embodies the spirit of equal partnership, collective leadership, mutual benefit, and our shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous future. Together these values have empowered us to address common challenges and seize opportunities for growth,” he underlined.

By Heng Panha