Vientiane, 1 August, 2024 — In Vientiane, at the recent Third Mekong-US Partnership Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Sok Chenda Sophea, Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, joined ministers from Mekong countries and the United States to initiate a new three-year action plan aimed at bolstering regional cooperation.

The plan, which spans from 2024 to 2026, seeks to expand upon the already fruitful 15-year collaboration under the Mekong-US Partnership, initially started in 2009 as the Lower Mekong Initiative. The latest meeting reviewed and celebrated substantial progress in areas such as economic connectivity, food security, health, education, governance, women's empowerment, environmental protection, and transnational crime.

Officials praised the effective implementation of the Mekong-US Partnership Action Plan for 2021-2023, noting its significant impact on improving the livelihoods of Mekong residents and fostering regional development.

The forum also set the stage for the next Mekong-ROK Business Forum, co-chaired by Laos and South Korea, expected to drive forward economic cooperation and partnerships.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a Joint Co-Chairs' Statement, reaffirming the commitment to deepening cooperation under the newly adopted action plan and looking forward to continuing achievements in enhancing the dynamic and inclusive growth of the Mekong region.