The Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Young Diplomats Forum is taking place from November 14-18. The opening meeting was attended by the Acting Director General of the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Virasac Somphong, and Counsellor, Deputy Chief of Mission, Chinese Embassy to Laos, Mr Zhao Chenggang.

Participants come from the Mekong-Lancang countries of Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and China. 

The forum is supported by the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Special Fund. It aims to enhance and develop the next generation of quality diplomats which is expected to be a community of exceptionally bright and accomplished future leaders, Mr Virasac said.

“This forum provides an opportunity for future young leaders to gain further insight and tools to engage with senior government officials, ambassadors, and diplomacy experts on different issues of regional and international affairs,” he added.

“Apart from discussions in meetings, participants will have an opportunity to explore the rich culture that Laos has to offer. Today, there will be an opportunity for all participants to learn about various aspects of  regional cooperation and diplomatic experience, including the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation, Belt and Road Initiative, Lao Economic Development and Source of Growth, and the Global Centre for Mekong Study’s Role in Building the Mekong–Lancang Economic Development Belt,” he said.

Participants will also gain an insight into the real-life experiences of a Lao ambassador, which will benefit all young diplomats in pursuing success in the future.

The Mekong–Lancang Cooperation was established on March 23, 2016, based on the commitment of all Mekong countries and the People’s Republic of China to promote peace, stability and development of the region and the world.

The cooperation aims to create a community with a shared future of peace and prosperity as well as presenting a new type of international relations featuring mutually-beneficial cooperation based on a spirit of close neighbourliness, deep bond of culture and people-to-people ties, and a special connection through the sharing of the Mekong–Lancang River.

Laos has always attached great importance to the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation in improving regional connectivity and economic integration.

Support from the government of China on MLC projects and programmes through the MLC five-year Plan of Action (2018-2022) has consistently contributed to socio-economic development in the Mekong region including in Laos.

In 2018, Laos was supported by the MLC Special Fund in 21 projects, including a capacity-building project in relation to the MLC Young Diplomats Forum currently taking place.