Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane.

Mekong-Lancang cooperation marks 10 years of regional unity, progress

Marking the 10th anniversary of the Mekong-Lancang River Cooperation framework, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane extended congratulations to member countries and their citizens.
“On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Mekong-Lancang River Cooperation Framework (March 23, 2016-March 23, 2026), I am deeply honoured and delighted to extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to the foreign ministers of the Mekong-Lancang River Cooperation (MLC) member countries and people living in our downstream regions,” he said.
Since its establishment in 2016, the Mekong-Lancang River Cooperation framework (comprising Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam) has grown from a vision to a proactive partnership focused on tangible results.
Over the past decade, under the principles of unity, equality, and mutual benefit, the MLC has emerged as a leading model of regional solidarity, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.
“Over the past 10 years, our commitment has led to significant progress in five priority areas: connectivity, productive capacity cooperation, cross-border economic cooperation, water resources management, agricultural development, and poverty eradication,” Mr Thongsavanh said.
“These efforts have not only brought benefits to member countries in the region, but have also helped address major challenges such as the spread of disease, climate change, and economic hardship, demonstrating the power of our solidarity and collective strength.”
“As we move forward, the outcomes of the 4th Mekong-Lancang River Leaders’ Meeting and the initiatives outlined in the 5-year Action Plan for 2023-2027 have set a clear vision to further deepen our relationship.”
Laos will continue to fully contribute to the Action Plan and will step up the implementation of the Green Silk Road initiatives, the development of innovation corridors, strengthened cooperation in health, and effective use of the potential of the digital economy and other fields to ensure stability, prosperity and sustainable development across the region, he added.
“Laos has benefited greatly from the MLC cooperation framework. Through initiatives supported by the Mekong-Lancang River Special Fund, we have received approval for a total of 100 projects worth approximately US$26 million.”
These projects aim to improve infrastructure, promote human resource development, strengthen water resource management and improve connectivity, as well as support health and poverty reduction, Mr Thongsavanh said.
“These collaborative efforts have not only met development needs, but have also built the capacity needed for long-term socio-economic growth and helped improve the lives of our people,” he added.
On this occasion, Laos would like to express its deep gratitude to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its cooperation and important contribution to the Mekong-Lancang River Special Fund, which has brought tangible benefits to the people of the Mekong subregion, he said.
“Our active and continued participation in this cooperation framework is a testament to our strong commitment to cooperation and the mutual benefits of all Mekong-Lancang member countries.”
“As we celebrate this 10th anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to a “Community with a Shared Future” and fulfil a strategic vision for the next 10 years of high-quality development.”
“May the next 10 years be a more prosperous, more inclusive and more sustainable decade than the past.”

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 26, 2026)