Four Mekong nations reaffirm cultural connection

Cambodia , Laos , Myanmar and Vietnam have resolved to strengthen cultural connectivity between their countries, building on historic friendships and shared heritages to exchange knowledge and boost development.

The ministers of information and culture of new Asean member nations met last week at the Ministerial Round-Table Meeting Initiative on Culture Connectivity in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar from January 19 to 24.



The ministers agreed on five initiatives which aim to organise, initiate and sustain cultural connectivity amongst the four countries, which share many cultural characteristics.



The initiatives include strengthening unity, building friendship and fostering neighbourly cooperation between the four nations; promoting cultural exchange programmes and sharing expertise on cultural conservation and preservation.





The agreement also aims to boost tourism development by grouping the four countries` ancient and historic cities. This will enable cooperation on cultural activities such as archaeological excavations, preservation and conservation, and the exchange of traditional arts, as well as deepening the historical friendship between the peoples of these countries.



One further aim is to share knowledge and experience to protect cultural artefacts from illegal transfer and trafficking.



Lao Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Mounkeo Oraboun said, "This an important occasion for us to help promote and protect our cultures and beliefs from the negative effects of globalisation as well as facing the challenge of new opportunities."



In recent times, new Asean members had joined hands to expand cooperation in the area of culture, especially within the Asean framework, he said.



"Cultural cooperation has been put into practice for many years through various activities and projects, which aim to promote and protect the uniqueness of our country and of our region."



"With the aim of developing and promoting cultural development and protecting our identity and heritage, both tangible and intangible, we join hands to prevent the smuggling of cultural artefacts and to develop human resources in the area of culture. All of this cooperation is for our mutual benefit," Mr Mounkeo said.



"I think our cooperation in the area of culture will be strengthened in the future."



"At present, culture plays a special role alongside politics and the economy, in particular within Asean. They are the driving forces in building the Asean Community, which is based on three pillars. One of these is the socio-cultural pillar. This pillar is necessary for the successful construction of the Asean community by 2015."



"The Lao government has laid down policies to protect and promote the development of national culture with the aim of developing the nation, bringing prosperity, security, civilisation and justice to the people; to protect the fine culture and unique qualities of the Lao nation; to free the country from poverty and least-developed status; and participate in the construction of the socio-cultural pillar with the Asean community," said Mr Mounkeo.



"I would like to express support and agreement with the initiatives of the meeting as well as its plans. I hope that all the initiatives will be put into practice so that our countries increase their understanding of each other and can join hands in the development of Asean cultural affairs."



Myanmar Minister of Culture, Major General Khin Aung Myint, said at the meeting that cultural connectivity would promote cultural development and was an important component of overall development. It would encourage friendship through the cultural cooperation programmes in various fields and would enhance tourism development in the four nations.



"I would like to encourage our four countries to strengthen cultural ties through continued cooperation programmes, which make positive contributions to integration and linkage among us," he said.



Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Hoang Tuan Anh, said the four countries had long histories and their peoples had preserved rich and diverse cultures.



"We welcome the initiative on cultural connectivity among our four countries for enhancing socio-economic development, peace and stability, narrowing the development gap, and promoting economic linkages in the region," he said.



During the ministerial meeting, senior officials from the four nations also met at the Senior Officials` Coordinating Meeting.





By Panyasith Thammavongsa

Vientiane Times/Asia News Network