Li Keqiang and Leaders of the Five Countries along the Mekong River Jointly Meet the Press

January 16, 2018
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On the afternoon of January 10, 2018 local time, after attending the 2nd Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Leaders' Meeting at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Premier Li Keqiang met the press together with Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, co-chair of the LMC mechanism, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of Thailand, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc of Vietnam and Vice President U Myint Swe of Myanmar, and introduced the results of the meeting.

Li Keqiang expressed that the six Lancang-Mekong countries are a community with a shared future that enjoys geographic proximity, people-to-people and cultural similarity and shared river. Under the current complex international and regional situation, the Lancang-Mekong countries have given play to the complementary advantages and accommodated each other's concerns. It is not only conducive to cooperation between the countries along upper reaches and lower reaches of the river, but also contributes to the long-lasting peace, stability and common development and prosperity of the region.

Li Keqiang pointed out that the LMC is equal, inclusive and practical. There are many differences in land area, economic scale, population and other aspects of the six countries. However, the six countries seek consultation when facing difficulties and treat each other sincerely like a family to jointly promote cooperation. This mechanism is not exclusive but complements with other mechanisms in the region and with cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asia Nations. We particularly attach importance to practical actions in cooperation to achieve results. Since the LMC has been carried out, cooperation among the six countries has made great strides in the past two years. All sides have reached a high degree of new consensus on future cooperation at the meeting. It is believed that cooperation among Lancang-Mekong countries will be better year by year, which will bring more benefits to the people in the region.

Li Keqiang stressed that it is China's commitment to the countries in the region to maintain peace, safeguard stability and achieve development by relying on the LMC. China stands ready to make joint efforts with all sides to make the Lancang-Mekong River a river of friendship, cooperation and prosperity.

Hun Sen expressed that satisfying results have been achieved and extensive cooperation consensus has been reached at this LMC Leaders' Meeting. In just two years, the LMC mechanism has become increasingly mature, run smoothly and achieved remarkable progress. China has played an important leading role in the LMC. It is firmly believed that the LMC will continue to develop and grow, push forward economic and social development of all countries, and establish a community of shared future featuring peace and prosperity.

MFA http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/topics_665678/lkqcxlmhzdecldrhybfwjpz/t1525243.shtml