Cambodia Commits to Enhancing Regional Dialogue, Boosting Practical Cooperation for Mekong-Lancang Sustainable Development

Cambodia has expressed a strong commitment to enhancing regional dialogue and boosting practical cooperation for the sustainable development of the Mekong-Lancang region. Speaking at the inauguration of the Mekong-Lancang Peace Boat Program in Phnom Penh on August 5, 2026, Mr. Cheng Kimlong, Director of the ASEAN Vision Institute, highlighted that while the region is home to remarkable cultural diversity, abundant natural resources, and immense economic potential, it also faces increasingly complex challenges. These include climate change, water resource management, environmental degradation, disaster risks, and evolving geopolitical dynamics. He stressed that these issues transcend national borders, necessitating a joint response built on trust, dialogue, and partnership. Mr. Kimlong noted that this interdependence was recognized by leaders when they launched the Lancang-Mekong cooperation in Sanya in March 2016, pledging to build a community of shared future of peace and prosperity among the six Lancang-Mekong countries, a commitment reaffirmed at the Fourth Leadership Summit in 2023. In this spirit, the Mekong-Lancang Peace Boat Program has been established. Building on the achievements of the first project, the second phase aims to provide a platform where government officials, policymakers, researchers, scholars, and young professionals can exchange ideas, learn from each other, and formulate practical policy recommendations contributing to regional peace, resilience, and shared prosperity. Through this program, consultative workshops will be organized, with all participants engaging in discussions covering a range of crucial topics. These include peace and security, small state diplomacy, water resource management, foreign policy in Southeast Asia, digital diplomacy and technology, economic integration and trade, as well as crisis management and disaster response. These discussions will be complemented by cultural exchanges and visits along the Mekong River, allowing for an appreciation of both the challenges shared and the rich heritage and close ties that unite the peoples. Source: AKP Khmer