The following statement was released by the Governments of Lao PDR and the United States of America as Co-chairs of the Mekong-U.S. Partnership (MUSP) on the occasion of the 3rd MUSP Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on July 27, 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
"We, the Co-chairs of the Mekong-U.S. Partnership ('MUSP') convened the 3rd MUSP Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on July 27, 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR, to affirm our commitment to the long-standing cooperative relationship between the Mekong countries and the United States, celebrating 15 years since the establishment of the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) in 2009 and its expansion to the MUSP in 2020. The Partnership supports the ASEAN Community-building process and cooperation between the United States and ASEAN."
"To deepen the strong friendship and successful collaboration between the Mekong countries and the United States, we reaffirm that MUSP will further strengthen transparency and good governance; enhance connectivity, economic integration, inclusive and sustainable development; and help narrow the development gap in the sub-region."
"The MUSP notes synergies between ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. Both aim to promote an open, inclusive rules-based regional architecture where ASEAN is central. They contribute to peace, security, prosperity for people in Indo-Pacific including Southeast Asian region and Mekong sub-region."
"The MUSP seeks to uphold international law and advances shared principles including ASEAN centrality, openness, sovereign equality, inclusivity, transparency, good governance rule of law commitment rules-based approach addressing challenges Mekong sub-region. It seeks further promote complementarity with regional sub-regional cooperation mechanisms ASEAN Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), Mekong River Commission (MRC), others."
"Today MUSP member countries formally approved adopted MUSP Plan Action 2024-2026 reflecting inputs all member countries views respective efforts integral engagement with ASEAN whole respective approaches broader Indo-Pacific region."
"As Co-chairs reaffirm importance aligning efforts other development partners notably members Friends of Mekong (FOM) increase efficiency ensure coordination identify gaps explore opportunities stronger collaboration future."
"The United States has been a steadfast partner in Mekong sub-region for decades. From 2009 to 2023 U.S. government provided over $5.8 billion bilateral regional assistance five partner countries under LMI MUSP continues support efforts advance shared interests priorities across four areas focus – economic connectivity sustainable water natural resources management non-traditional security human resource development."
"We reaffirmed importance cooperation through MUSP addressing transboundary challenges opportunities promote equitable sustainable inclusive development Mekong sub-region."
Co-Chairs:
His Excellency Saleumxay Kommasith,
Deputy Prime Minister Minister Foreign Affairs Lao PDR
The Honorable Antony J. Blinken,
Secretary State United States America
