By Julia M Brennan

It was a privilege to participate in Meridian International Centre’s Diplomacy Forum on the Countries of the Mekong.  Set in the gracious and historic Washington DC Meridian House compound, with over 187 guests, it included panel discussions, individual talks, Cambodian and Thai traditional dance and music performances, and a lovely lunch and reception.  The diversity of panels raised awareness on the importance of Mainland Southeast Asia and increased opportunities for collaboration among the diplomatic, government, business, policy, and cultural communities.