Lancang-Mekong countries’ media to strengthen cooperation

VIENTIANE, Laos — Media representatives and government officials from LancangMekong countries called on Monday for further media cooperation to cope with challenges in the digital era.

They made the call at the opening of the two-day Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Media Summit in Vientiane. The six countries of the Lancang-Mekong cooperation are China, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The Lancang River, which originates in China, is known as the Mekong in Southeast Asia, where it flows through five countries.

Government officials attending the summit emphasized the need for media deepen cooperation.

Media from Lancang-Mekong countries bear great responsibility, said Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, head of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee’s Publicity Department, adding that media should be practical, objective and fair while boosting mutual to understanding between peoples in the region and contributing to social-economic development in the six countries.

Media cooperation in the countries can promote connectivity and let the world know the advantages of the region, said Tassanee Pholchaniko, deputy director-general of Thailand’s Government Public Relations Department.

Tuo Zhen, editor-in-chief of People’s Daily, said the Lancang-Mekong cooperation mechanism offered a wide platform for media to play active roles, and media should contribute to building bridges for people-to-people exchanges.