PHNOM PENH, Cambodia- Cambodia is committed to advance LMI agenda

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Foreign Affairs Minister Prak Sokhonn has reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to advance the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) agenda to greater heights and expressed optimism towards the collaborative work yet to come in the near future.

In a speech to mark the celebration of 10th LMI anniversary yesterday, Mr Sokhonn said that LMI is an ambitious initiative that brings together 5 Lower Mekong countries and the United States to develop regional approach to address current and future transnational challenges in order to deliver equitable, sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

“It is about enhancing connectivity. It is about collaboratively addressing sub-regional transboundary development,” he said. “It is about narrowing the development gap among Mekong countries and the older ASEAN member states, among other things.”

Mr Sokhonn noted that the initiative has evolved to reflect the global and regional realities, in which related stakeholders have learned lessons from their work.

“I am pleased that last year we have consolidated the six pillars of the program into just two big nexus, that is the water, food, energy and environment nexus and the human development and connectivity nexus,” he said.

“This inflection point of the LMI gives us clearer actions and new approaches to better address the evolving challenges of the Mekong countries,” Mr Sokhonn added.

According to the US Embassy, Ambassador Patrick Murphy yesterday said that the Mekong region – Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam – is strategically important to the United States, and America’s ties with the Mekong region runs deep, noting that LMI is an initiative that exemplifies the spirit of international friendship, and America’s commitment to partnership.

“As we confront new challenges to the mighty Mekong river – upstream dam building, climate change, overuse and pollution – the United States congratulates the LMI countries on their strong partnership and stands ready to help build new connections in the region,” he said./ Taing Vida / Khmer Times

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