LMC foreign ministers met in Thailand and agreed on closer connectivity and cooperation.
The ninth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting took place in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The meeting aimed to strengthen connectivity and cooperation in various fields among the LMC member countries, which include China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
During the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted the efforts made by the LMC countries to promote a community with a shared future and bring tangible benefits to the people of the six countries. He also emphasized China's commitment to deepening reform and modernization, offering new opportunities for cooperation with the LMC countries.
Wang proposed four areas of focus for the next stage of Lancang-Mekong cooperation, including maintaining peace and stability, promoting innovation-driven development, enhancing interconnected development, and fostering people-to-people exchanges.
The participants praised the rapid growth of the LMC and acknowledged China's role in supporting practical cooperation projects through the LMC Special Fund. They made commitments to enhance cooperation in various fields such as interconnectivity, investment, innovation, food security, energy, water resources, climate change, and cultural exchanges. Additionally, they reaffirmed their commitment to promoting sustainable development, regional peace, and stability.
The meeting resulted in the issuance of a joint press release and statements on topics including water resources, clean air, and combating cross-border crime. A report was also released to review the progress of implementing the LMC five-year action plan, the 2024 list of LMC Special Fund-supported projects, and the Lancang-Mekong agricultural cooperation action plan. Furthermore, foreign ministers visited an exhibition showcasing the achievements of projects supported by the LMC Special Fund.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang held separate meetings with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea, and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith.
