On the afternoon of March 23, at the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the press reported that there are currently 14 hydroelectric dams along the main stream of the Mekong River. Some experts believe that these dams lead to the risk of water flow depletion as well as reduce the amount of sediment flowing to the lower Mekong River. This is one of the reasons why drought and salinity and landslides in the Mekong Delta are becoming increasingly serious.

Expressing his views on cooperation with countries along the Mekong River to ensure sustainable development, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet said that the Mekong is a common transboundary river that flows through many countries.

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Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet. Photo: Pham Hai

As a downstream country of the Mekong River, Vietnam is very concerned about the transboundary impacts and water storage capacity of hydropower projects on the Mekong River.

"As we have repeatedly stated, the development and operation of hydropower projects on the Mekong River must ensure that they do not cause negative impacts, including transboundary impacts, on the environment as well as socio-economic development and socio-economic life of countries in the Mekong River basin, especially downstream countries, and must be in accordance with international law and practice.

"Vietnam wishes and is ready to strengthen cooperation with relevant countries to effectively and sustainably manage and use the Mekong River's water resources, ensuring harmony of interests among countries while not causing negative impacts on the lives of people living in the basin," Mr. Doan Khac Viet stated.

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People in the Southwest region make a living during the flood season. Illustration photo: Hoang Giam

The Deputy Spokesperson said that the Mekong River Commission has dialogue partners with upstream countries and is also promoting many other cooperation mechanisms.

Vietnam wants Cambodia to share full information about Funan Techo Canal

Vietnam wants Cambodia to share full information about Funan Techo Canal

Vietnam hopes that Cambodia will continue to closely coordinate with Vietnam and other countries in the Mekong River Commission to fully share information and assess in detail the impacts of the Funan Techo Canal project.
Vietnam speaks out about Cambodia's construction of Funan Techo canal

Vietnam speaks out about Cambodia's construction of Funan Techo canal

Regarding the Funan Techo Canal project, Vietnam is very interested in and respects Cambodia's legitimate interests. Vietnam hopes that Cambodia will continue to coordinate in sharing information and fully assessing the impacts of this project.
Vietnam wishes to cooperate with Cambodia to sustainably develop the Mekong River.

Vietnam wishes to cooperate with Cambodia to sustainably develop the Mekong River.

The Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam wishes to cooperate closely with Cambodia and other countries in the Mekong River basin in the use, management, protection and sustainable development of the Mekong River.