Synopsis: Phnom Penh maps out strategic goals for the next phase of regional partnership, targeting stability, green growth and security.
Cambodia has outlined five priorities for Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC), calling for connectivity, economic integration, climate resilience and efforts to combat transnational crime.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Prak Sokhonn presented the priorities at the 11th MLC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Beijing on Tuesday.
He said Cambodia is committed to the framework, adding that mutual respect, benefit and trust are essential for peace and stability.
The meeting, held under the theme “Deepening the Building of a Community with a Shared Future: Writing a New Chapter for Mekong-Lancang 2.0”, was co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
Sokhonn said achievements in regional connectivity, economic integration and sustainable development came through initiatives including the Mekong-Lancang Economic Development Belt, the Mekong-Lancang Innovation Corridors and the Five-Year Plan of Action for 2023 – 2027.
He said Cambodia appreciated China’s support through the MLC Special Fund, which financed 113 projects in the country to contribute to development and improve livelihoods.
Sokhonn identified the five priorities for MLC 2.0: strengthening mutual trust and safeguarding peace and stability; accelerating economic integration, connectivity and innovation; deepening water resources cooperation and climate resilience; enhancing responses to transnational crime and security threats; and placing people-to-people exchanges at the heart of cooperation.
The meeting provided an opportunity for diplomatic engagement on the sidelines, including discussions involving Cambodia, China and Thailand. Wang invited Sokhonn and Sihasak for an informal tea break, during which the three officials discussed cooperation, regional stability and relations between Cambodia and Thailand.
Sokhonn met Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung to discuss the outcomes of Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s visit to Cambodia and preparations for the upcoming Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy and Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Vietnam summits in Vietnam.
He said Cambodia thanked Vietnam for supporting the hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit and added that he anticipated welcoming Vietnamese leaders to Phnom Penh.
In a meeting with Wang, Sokhonn and his Chinese counterpart said they were committed to strengthening bilateral friendship, deepening their partnership and advancing a Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future. Both sides said it was important to translate strategic agreements into practical cooperation and results.
They discussed regional and international developments, including the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border, and added that continued dialogue was important for maintaining peace and stability.
The ministerial meeting precedes the fifth MLC Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled for China in late December, where member countries are expected to pursue outcomes benefiting their populations.
The Chinese Embassy in Cambodia released a statement in which Wang said China would continue to support Cambodia in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions.
“China stands ready to strengthen strategic communication with Cambodia, jointly meet external challenges and better promote each other’s modernisation drive,” he said.
He added that both countries should prepare for high-level exchanges, safeguard shared interests, promote the Industrial Development Corridor and the Fish and Rice Corridor, deepen cooperation in infrastructure and agriculture, sustain a crackdown on telecom and online fraud, and step up coordination on multilateral platforms.
