PHNOM PENH: Spokesman for the Prime Minister Hun Sen’s visit to the 4th Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit, Mr. Sok Chenda Sophea, said that China plays a key role and expresses a sense of responsibility in protecting the Mekong River, adhering to the commission’s motto, "One Mekong, one spirit.”
Speaking at a press conference upon his return at the Phnom Penh International Airport on the afternoon of 5 April 2023, Sok Chenda Sophea praised China's sense of responsibility for the future of the Mekong River, remarking that despite not being a member of the MRC, the country still sent its Minister of Water Resources to participate.
He said, "We at the Mekong River Commision have a motto, ‘One Mekong, one spirit.’ China said that the People's Republic of China is completely in line with this spirit."
He added that during the meeting on the morning of 5 April, Chinese Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying delivered a speech that warmly greeted the Mekong countries, asserting China’s responsibility in preserving the Mekong and promising to consider all aspects needed to achieve the commission’s goals.
The Mekong River is a continuation of China’s Lanchang River, the 12th longest river in the world. The MRC consists of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, while China and Myanmar have been “dialogue partners” of the committee since 1996.
The committee has been meeting every four years since 2010, while in 2022 it was interrupted by Covid-19. At today's meeting, the MRC issued the Vientiane Declaration on a number of key issues, including the continued efforts of Mekong leaders to peacefully and sustainably develop the Mekong region through dialogue and enhanced cooperation among its members.
The leaders of the Mekong countries reaffirmed their commitment to working together to ensure that the Mekong River Basin is secure and that water, food and energy are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. Members jointly supported more efficient use of technology to manage river basin functions and to monitor water levels and movement in order to evaluate long-term strategies.
The Mekong region’s development often requires cooperative action to protect the environment and vulnerable communities in the basin. With the effects of climate change being felt worldwide, the region faces floods, severe droughts, erosion and sedimentation. Changes in elevation and river flow contribute to environmental losses and harm the fishing industry.
MRC member countries support sustainable development in all areas related to water, including hydropower, irrigation, navigation and more. They also provide protection from risks like flooding and droughts.
