Phnom Penh: The Ministers praised the mutual support extended to one another by the Mekong-Ganga countries in the fight against COVID-19. With a common understanding of the challenges posed by the pandemic, all the ministers agreed to hold practical workshops to accelerate the process of post-pandemic socio-economic recovery, as well as to promote the exchange of ideas on how to promote public health and ensure health security in the post-COVID-19 world, especially in relation to the development of medical research, and the production and distribution of drugs and vaccines.

Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, co-chaired the 11th Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting with Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, via video conference on July 21, 2021.

Mr. Prak Sokhonn emphasized that over the past two decades, many projects and activities under the framework of the MGC have constituted an active part of the development efforts in the Mekong sub-region in the fields of health, education, environment and culture. At the same time, the MGC has significantly contributed to the promotion of close relations, mutual understanding and trust, as well as the socio-economic development of the sub-region, which ultimately serve to ensure the wellbeing and prosperity of the peoples of the member countries.

Deputy Prime Minister highlighted India's clear commitment to financing QIPs for Cambodia and other Mekong countries, bringing about tangible results that contribute to improving people’s livelihoods across the sub-region. He also thanked India for increasing its QIPs support for Cambodia.

Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Prak Sokhonn also expressed his support and appreciation for the ATTM, which was established in 2014 in Siem Reap, Cambodia, an achievement which demonstrates the relevance and durability of the MGC. Unfortunately, the tourism industry has been severely affected by the pandemic, which has hampered the museum's day-to-day operations. In this regard, he noted that it is only with the support of member countries can we effectively implement a recovery plan that can allow the ATTM to address all its challenges and return to normal operations.

The Ministers welcomed India's assistance to the Mekong countries under the MGC Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) and noted that since its inception in 2015, 38 projects have been completed while 30 other projects are under implementation.