Hanoi (VNA) –Vietnam hopes and stands ready to join hands with countries along the MekongRiver to manage and use its water resources effectively and sustainably, said Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang.
Hang made theaffirmation at the ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoi on May 14, whileresponding to reporters’ queries regarding Laos’ implementation of its sixMekong River dam project, Dattang Sanakham, thisyear.
The cooperation wouldensure the harmony of interests of the countries, while avoiding adverseimpacts on daily life of residents in the area, she stressed.
A lowland country,Vietnam is very concerned about transboundary and cumulative impacts of hydropowerprojects on the mainstream of the Mekong River, the spokeswoman said.
“We have repeatedlystated that countries have legitimate interests in using the Mekong River’swater resources for development, and also have a shared responsibility for thesustainable use of them,” Hang went on.
The development of hydropowerprojects on the mainstream of the river must ensure no negative impacts,including transboundary impacts on the environment and socio-economic life ofriparian countries, especially those in the downstream, in line withinternational practices and regulations of the Mekong River Commission, she said./.
VNA