Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) Recently, the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a ceremony at the M-Gallery Hotel in Naypyidaw to solemnly commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Mechanism (MLC). Myanmar's Foreign Minister U Than Swe, relevant ministers from the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund (LMCSF) project implementation departments, the Chairman and Deputy Ministers of the Naypyidaw Committee, ambassadors, heads of missions, and representatives from the six Mekong-Lancang riparian countries (Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam), as well as senior officials from the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related departments attended the commemorative event.
At the ceremony, the Indian Minister of External Affairs, together with the ambassadors and heads of missions from the Mekong Cooperation member countries, cut the ribbon to officially open the "10th Anniversary of Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Photography Exhibition." The exhibits showcased the achievements of various projects implemented in Myanmar under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund (LMCSF). After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the attending ministers and dignitaries toured the exhibition.
In his commemorative address, Myanmar's Foreign Minister U Than Shwe pointed out that 2026 marks a crucial juncture for the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) as it enters a new decade, holding significant importance. He reiterated Myanmar's commitment to upholding the MLC's principles and vision, and its dedication to building a community with a shared future for mankind characterized by peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. U Than Shwe reviewed Myanmar's key achievements during its tenure as co-chair of the MLC from 2020 to 2023, including successfully hosting the fourth MLC Leaders' Meeting and the seventh MLC Foreign Ministers' Meeting; co-chairing the sixth and ninth MLC Foreign Ministers' Meetings with China; promoting the adoption of the Naypyidaw Declaration and the Five-Year Action Plan for Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (2023-2027); and facilitating consensus among member states on establishing the "Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Innovation Corridor Conference Mechanism."
He further explained that between 2017 and 2025, Myanmar has received approval for 132 cooperation projects through the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund (LMCSF), totaling approximately US$38.6 million, of which over 100 projects have been successfully implemented. These projects have effectively contributed to Myanmar's socio-economic development and regional integration process. U Than Shwe expressed his sincere gratitude to China for its continued assistance to Mekong member states through the LMCSF.
At the same time, U Than Shwe also mentioned that although the MLC multilateral cooperation has achieved significant results over the past decade, member states still face multiple challenges, including changes in the global political landscape, economic instability, and climate change. He emphasized that deepening practical cooperation among member states is crucial to overcoming these challenges and maintaining regional peace, security, and prosperity.
Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, Ms. Ma Jia, delivered a commemorative speech at the ceremony, sharing her vision and expectations for MLC cooperation.
During the event, attendees watched a documentary reflecting the ten-year achievements of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Mechanism (MLC). Following this, Myanmar's Foreign Minister U Than Swe hosted a commemorative dinner, during which a cultural troupe from the Myanmar Ministry of Culture and Religious Affairs presented a wonderful traditional music performance. At the end of the dinner, Foreign Minister U Than Swe, Ambassador Ma Jia, and representatives of ambassadors and heads of delegations from various countries to Myanmar presented commemorative gifts to the cultural troupe.
It is understood that the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) mechanism, established in 2016, is a sub-regional cooperation platform focusing on Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its core objective is to promote sustainable and inclusive growth within the region and deepen practical cooperation and connectivity among the six countries in various fields.
