Cambodia hails decade of Mekong Lancang cooperation, eyes digital and green future

PHNOM PENH, Mar 24, 2026 (KPT) — Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn has marked the 10th anniversary of the Mekong Lancang Cooperation (MLC), describing it as a “golden decade” of partnership among six countries and outlining priorities for the bloc’s next phase.

In a message for MLC Week, Sokhonn said the initiative — bringing together Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam — had promoted peace, stability and sustainable development across the region.

He cited “tangible achievements” in political and security cooperation, economic growth and cultural exchange, with progress in infrastructure connectivity, agriculture, water resource management and poverty reduction.

Cambodia has received 106 projects under the MLC Special Fund since 2017, ranging from rural development to education and environmental protection.

Sokhonn thanked China for its continued financial support, saying it had strengthened cooperation and contributed to Cambodia’s development.

He recalled early meetings in Jinghong in 2015 and Sanya in 2016 as laying the foundation for the bloc, with guiding documents such as the Sanya and Nay Pyi Taw declarations and the current five year action plan (2023 2027) shaping its work.

Sokhonn said members will pursue “MLC 2.0” with a focus on digital transformation, green development and deeper regional integration.

Cambodia, he added, remains committed to implementing existing plans and exploring new areas of cooperation to promote inclusive growth and long term stability in the Mekong Lancang region.