First Mekong-Lancang Cooperation meeting a significant landmark
The first Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) leaders’ meeting is a significant landmark in the cooperation among countries in the sub-Mekong region in general and MLC in particular.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (first from left) attends the event (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The first Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) leaders’ meeting is a significant landmark in the cooperation among countries in the sub-Mekong region in general and MLC in parti♓cular, according to Assistant to Foreign Minister Vu Quang Minh, head of Vietnam’s delegation to MLC senior officials’ meeting.
MLC is the cooperation mechanism between six countries sharing the Mekong River, known as Lancang in China, which are Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, China and Vietnam.
Talking to the press following the first MLC leaders’ meeting in China’s Hainan province on March 23, Minh said the MLC establishment is in line with the development trend of the multi-layered cooperation and connectivity in the Mekong region.
The birth of the MLC also affirms the commitment of six member states to cooperate for peace, stability and sustainable development in the Mekong sub-region, he said, noting that this is the first time the involved parties reached consensus on prioritising cooperation in sustainable use and management of water resources in the Mekong River.
He added that the MLC is hoped to help boost the sub-regional socio-economic development, narrow the development gaps in the region and improve local living standards.
As the year 2016 marks the 25 th founding anniversary of ASEAN-China strategic cooperative partnership, the MLC will not only boost sustainable development in the Mekong sub-region but also actively propel the cooperation between ASEAN countries and China forward, he stressed
The diplomat noted that being fully aware of the role and the significance of MLC cooperation to the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) sustainable development and prosperity, Vietnam has actively and proactively participated in the process of establishing this cooperation mechanism.
Before the first MLC leaders’ meeting, Vietnam has made significant contributions at various ministerial-level and SOM meetings, he said, adding that the country’s proposals on principles and mechanisms for the MLC, along with suggestions in cooperation in water resources and economic connectivity, received support from other countries and were confirmed in the Sanya Declaration and relevant MLC documents.
Three projects proposed by Vietnam have been included in the list of Early Harvest Projects adopted by the MLC, which will be implemented in the initial phase of cooperation.
The projects aim to strengthen coordination in coping with floods and droughts in the Mekong-Lancang basin and harmonise standards and procedures among countries in the region.
Minh also highlighted that Vietnam has agreed to coordinate with China to build a joint project establishing a centre on Mekong – Lancang water resources cooperation, and is willing to make financial contribution and send its experts to work at the centre.-VNA
Vietnam hopes for a closer coordination between Mekong countries in planning, using and regulating the water resources in the Mekong River, known as the Lancang in China.
The first Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) leaders’ meeting kicked off in Sanya city of China’s Hainan province on March 23, drawing leaders of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, China and Vietnam.
The Mekong-Lancang Cooperation should promote its important role in boosting efforts by member states to scientifically and sustainably manage and use the water resources of the Mekong River.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Ha expressed his hope that cooperation in science and technology, agriculture, and natural resources would emerge as new focal points and engines of growth in Vietnam–China relations.
Giang said he believes that building on the solid foundation nurtured over the past half-century and the strong determination of both nations, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to grow in a more robust, comprehensive, and extensive manner, thus bringing more practical benefits to the two nations' people.
Highlighting the transformative potential of the draft law in revitalising Vietnam’s railway industry, Hoang Van Cuong, a deputy of Hanoi, expressed his support for Article 39, which empowers the Prime Minister to issue a list of railway-related goods and services to be assigned or ordered from domestic enterprises for production.
According to the Ministry of Public Security, Hoan, formerly Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, is under investigation for allegedly taking bribes in connection with a case involving the Hoang Long Construction and Manpower Supply JSC and related units.
Chairing a national conference on the organisation of the examination on June 18, the PM highlighted the historical significance of the examination, as the restructuring of provincial-level administrative units is underway and the two-tier local administration model is set to officially begin operations on July 1.
Right on the same day, the ministry issued its highest-level travel warning, urging Vietnamese citizens not to travel to Israel or Iran, and advised those already in these countries to swiftly consider evacuation or relocation plans.
From the struggles against colonialists and imperialists to the period of Doi moi (renewal) and international integration, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has always played a pioneering role on the ideological and cultural front, he said.
The Party leader's working session with the standing boards of the Party Committees of HCM City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Binh Duong, the VNA General Director's remarks on the occasion of the 19th OANA General Assembly, the launch of new NIC - Google initiatives aimed at bolstering AI entrepreneurship and digital literacy in Vietnam are among news highlights June 18.
Vietnam and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism as it remains a threat to peace, security, and stability across their respective nations, the broader region, and the international community.
The Vietnamese representative also emphasised the shared responsibility of relevant parties to build trust, enhance cooperation, and jointly manage the risks of conflict, thus safeguarding long-term peace and stability in the East Sea.
The National Assembly on June 18 passed the law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality, with 408 out of 420 participating deputies voting in favour, accounting for 85.36% of the total.
The Party leader asked the new HCM City to embrace a multi-centre and integrated urban ecosystem where each development pole functions as a link complementary to and intelligently connected with each other in a harmonious whole.
The resolutions issued by the PM as well as ministries and ministry-level agencies reassign responsibility for 346 administrative procedures - 18 from district to provincial levels, 278 to commune level, and 50 eliminated.
Legislators are due to pass several amended laws, including the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy, and the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality.
Vietnamese localities' readiness to implement the two-tier local administration model, the evacuation of 18 Vietnamese citizens from Iran, Petrovietnam's 11th ranking in the 2025 Fortune Southeast Asia 500 are among news highlights on June 17 evening.
The General Secretary underlined the resolve to achieve a growth rate of at least 8% in 2025, laying the groundwork for double-digit growth in the following period. He noted that these are mandatory targets, with no alternative path to success.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (first from left) attends the event (Photo: VNA)
