Vientiane (FN), Apr. 5 – Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen underlined that the enhanced cooperation and collective efforts among the Mekong countries and with other relevant partners and mechanisms are essential for resilient, sustainable and inclusive development of the Mekong River Basin as well as to ensure that the Mekong is a river with a brighter and more prosperous common future.

The premier addressed the Fourth Summit of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) under the theme “Innovation and Cooperation for a Water Secure and Sustainable Mekong” held on 5 April 2023 in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

“The premier stressed that the enhanced cooperation and collective efforts among the Mekong countries and with other relevant partners and mechanisms are essential for resilient, sustainable and inclusive development of the Mekong River Basin as well as to ensure that the Mekong is a river with a brighter and more prosperous common future, benefiting all countries along the river and all the people living in the entire basin," according to the outcomes of the summit seen by Fresh News on Wednesday (Apr. 5).

Samdech also reiterated the Cambodia’s commitment for continued full cooperation to bring about more great successes under MRC cooperation framework.

Taking this opportunity, premier Hun Sen also raised a new initiative in jointly resolving the underwater unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over in our Mekong River from wars in order to avoid possible danger to the lives of people living in Mekong River Basin.

Samdech added that the sustainable achievement of water, food and energy security is the highest priority in the agenda and objectives of sustainable development in the Mekong region and as well as for other countries.

Premier Hun Sen also highlighted that the challenge for the Mekong Basin is the continuous development for economic growth in the Mekong region. Rapid economic development has led to an increase in the use of Mekong water, and this trend will continue to increase in the future among Mekong countries as well as in other parts of the world. He also paid close attention to the COVID19 post economic recovery and sustainable growth.

"All of these factors, combined with climate change, as well as the risks and impacts, require us to be more vigilant,” the premier underscored.

In response to these challenges, Samdech encouraged the strategic shift to proactive regional planning and coordinated operational management, and called on all basin countries, partners and stakeholders to continue to work with the MRC to uphold the 1995 Mekong Agreement and its Procedures.

On that occasion, Samdech also called on MRC to effectively implementing the Vientiane Joint Statement of the 4th Mekong River Commission Summit in particular.
=FRESH NEWS