On April 5, in the capital Vientiane of Laos, the 4th Summit of the Mekong River Commission (abbreviated as the Commission) took place, with the theme "Innovation and cooperation to ensure water security and sustainable development of the Mekong River Basin".
The conference was attended by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh , Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Secretary General of the Thai Water Resources Office Surasri Kidti Monton, along with leaders and representatives of dialogue partners, development partners, international and regional organizations, social and community organizations.
At the conference, countries affirmed their highest political commitment to the effective implementation of the 1995 Mekong Agreement, supporting the role of the Commission as the leading forum for water cooperation in the region.
Speaking at the conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the need to renew cooperation thinking and make breakthroughs. Proposing the direction of cooperation of the Commission in the coming time, the Prime Minister said that it is necessary to reaffirm the strongest commitment, strictly comply with and implement the 1995 Mekong Agreement, as well as the established Water Use Regulations, and focus on implementing the Commission's plans and strategies.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the 4th Mekong River Commission Summit Photo: NHAT BAC
At the same time, all policies and actions need to be people-centered, with a whole-of-people, comprehensive and basin-wide approach, to ensure sustainable livelihoods for people, enhance resilience; and at the same time, strengthen cooperation in preventing and combating transnational crimes in the Mekong sub-region.
In addition, it is necessary to strengthen coordination between the Commission and other sub-regional cooperation frameworks, including promoting its role as a knowledge center, providing information, data, and advice to cooperation mechanisms.
At the same time, promote the development of green economy, circular economy, develop renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy, connect and upgrade the regional power grid; cooperate in waterway transport to promote trade, ensure safe and efficient transport, without harming water resources and ecological environment; strengthen cooperation with partners to mobilize support in financial resources, knowledge, experience and modern technology, link the activities of the Commission with efforts to implement the ASEAN Community Vision and other major international agendas.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to Mekong cooperation; has been and will continue to participate in the activities of the Commission proactively and actively, ensuring the harmony of interests of the people of the countries, the interests of the countries in the basin, between people and nature, between today's generation and future generations...
At the end of the conference, the heads of delegations adopted the Vientiane Joint Statement, calling on the Commission, all partners and stakeholders to work together to find innovative solutions to respond to challenges, while seizing opportunities and strengthening cooperation for a sustainable Mekong River Basin and ensuring water security, while adhering to the principles of openness, transparency, comprehensiveness, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, coordination, cooperation, respect for sovereignty, etc.
Strengthening cooperation with Laos
On the afternoon of April 5, after the closing of the Mekong River Commission Summit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a working session with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
The two Prime Ministers agreed to implement the Vietnam-Laos Strategic Cooperation Agreement for the 2021-2030 period, the Vietnam-Laos Bilateral Cooperation Agreement for the 2021-2023 period, and other high-level agreements and signed cooperation plans; continue to exchange delegations at all levels and through channels to consolidate the special and strong political relationship of trust; coordinate to ensure security and order; strengthen security and defense cooperation; coordinate to prevent and combat transnational crimes, especially drug crimes.
The two sides also agreed to continue to enhance economic cooperation; support each other in building an independent, self-reliant economy, linked to international integration; determined to completely resolve a number of backlogs and promote key projects such as Vung Ang 1, 2, 3 ports, Nongkhang airport, East-West road and railway connection projects, etc.; continue to remove difficulties and create favorable conditions in terms of administrative procedures and land for Vietnamese enterprises and projects in Laos.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam is ready to support Laos in assuming international responsibilities in the coming time, including the role of ASEAN/AIPA Chair in 2024.
On the same morning, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had breakfast and worked with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen.
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