China and Myanmar Strengthen Ties with New Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Agreement
In a significant move to bolster regional development and bilateral relations, China and Myanmar have signed an agreement on cooperation projects under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund for 2024. The signing ceremony was held on Friday to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two neighboring countries.
Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai and Myanmar’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Lwin Oo inked the agreement, which outlines the implementation of 12 projects aimed at enhancing agriculture, poverty alleviation, trade, innovation, and livelihoods in Myanmar.
Ambassador Chen Hai emphasized that the agreement reflects the strong friendly relations between China and Myanmar over the past 74 years. “The signing of this agreement is an important step in implementing the consensus reached at the fourth LMC leaders’ meeting,” he stated. “It demonstrates our commitment to working together for the benefit of the Myanmar people through tangible cooperation.”
Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe expressed optimism about the enhanced collaboration. “Myanmar and China are friendly neighbors, and our bilateral relations have grown increasingly close over the decades,” he said. “We are eager to work with the Lancang-Mekong countries to jointly promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity.”
The LMC initiative, which involves countries along the Lancang-Mekong River including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, focuses on fostering sustainable development and regional cooperation. Myanmar, as an active participant, stands to gain significant benefits from the new projects funded by the LMC Special Fund.
The agreement marks a continued commitment by both nations to deepen cooperation and strengthen ties. The projects are expected to contribute to Myanmar’s socio-economic development, improve the livelihoods of its people, and further integrate the region’s economies.
Reference(s):
China, Myanmar sign 2024 MLC special fund cooperation agreement
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