Distinguished Participants, We are about to conclude the zoom meeting on the Second Eminent Persons Forum on Mekong-Lancang Cooperation. I believe, this Second Eminent Persons Forum on Lanchang-Mekong Cooperation is beneficial and useful for all the participants. Today, we have made extensive discussions in two sessions:

Session 1- Prioritize Development to Construct an Economic Development Belt in Lanchang-Mekong Region and

Session 2: Promote Cultural Exchanges and Mutual Learning to Cement the Foundation for Lanchang-Mekong Amity. Pre-recorded congratulatory remarks were made by Assistant Foreign Minister of China His Excellency M. Nong Rong and opening remarks were made by President of CPIFA, Member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress and Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee His Excellency Mr. Wang Chao and Former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand His Excellency Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai. I like to thank for their important contributions and earnest support for the success of this Forum. Thoughtful speeches were made at Session I and Session II by the representatives from China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and from my Myanmar colleagues. During this half day, we have heard from our well learned and experienced fellow eminent persons invaluable contributions and suggestions for the benefit of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation and, thereby, its people. I fully believe that today discussions gave good energy to MLC six countries to continue to cooperate closely to promote development and work upgrading of the MLC mechanism. Finally, this forum gives us to pursue a neighborhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. I would like to express again, my sincere thanks to Mr. Wang Chao, President of the Chinese Peoples Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) for successfully organizing and inviting me to this important meeting. I am looking forward to meeting you all at future Mekong-Lancang Cooperation events.

Thank You.