On this auspicious day marking the 8th Anniversary of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC), I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Governments and the people of the MLC member countries.
Since its inception in 2016, the MLC has been a vital platform for fostering peace, stability and prosperity in the Mekong sub-region, guided by the principles of equality, mutual benefits and shared prosperity.
As we reflect on the achievements of the past eight years, in the spirit of "Shared River, Shared Future", the Mekong sub-region has witnessed significant progress across the three pillars of cooperation (Political and Security, Sustainable Economic Development, and Socio-Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges) and the five priority areas of cooperation (Connectivity, Water Resources Management, Production Capacity, Cross-Border Economic Cooperation, and Agriculture and Poverty Reduction). The primary focus has been on enhancing cooperation to sustain socio-economic development, deepening collaboration to foster peace, stability and prosperity, building mutual trust and understanding, and supporting initiatives to enhance integration and connectivity in the Mekong-Lancang region. This includes a particular emphasis on expanding cooperation in establishing the Mekong-Lancang Economic Corridor and modernizing and increasing the production of energy, agricultural and industrial goods in terms of quantity and quality, advancing public health cooperation, human resources development, innovation and technology in order to address poverty reduction.
The MLC has been a catalyst for tangible benefits in the Lao PDR and the Mekong sub-region. The Lao PDR has actively participated in MLC activities, obtaining concrete benefits through various projects and initiatives namely, the Laos-China Joint Poverty Alleviation Project and other initiatives aimed at infrastructure development and capacity building. Moreover, Projects under the MLC Special Fund have supported training opportunities and various development initiatives, contributing to socio-economic progress. The Lao PDR has received a total of 80 approved projects with total value of approximately 21 million USD. To date, 30 projects were completed and 50 projects are ongoing.
Looking ahead, as we enter a new phase of cooperation within the MLC, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing our shared goals and objectives by effectively implement the outcomes of the 4th MLC Leaders’ Meeting held in 2023, such as Nay Pyi Taw Declaration, the Five-Year Plan of Action on Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (2023-2027) and the Joint Initiatives on the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Innovation Corridor Development. The MLC's role in promoting peace, stability and comprehensive development aligns with the vision of a prosperous and interconnected Mekong-Lancang community as well as contributes to the ASEAN Community building, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
I highly appreciate the Government of the People's Republic of China for its continued cooperation and contribution to the MLC, particularly through the MLC Special Fund and various sub-regional programs that have brought tangible benefits to the people in the Mekong sub-region. The Lao PDR's active engagement in MLC underscores our commitment to mutual cooperation and mutual benefits among all MLC members.
As we celebrate the 8th Anniversary of the MLC, let us renew our commitment to elevate the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation to a new height thus contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the Mekong sub-region and the world at large.