Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam stands ready to work together with relevant countries to enhance cooperation in order to effectively and sustainably manage and use the Mekong River’s water resources, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet said on May 23.
Viet made the affirmation while responding to a query on the impact of upstream hydroelectric dams on the downstream area of the river at the ministry’s regular press conference. Such cooperation will not only ensure the harmony of interests of countries, but also exert no negative impact on the lives of residents in the basin, he explained.
The deputy spokesperson noted that as a downstream country of the Mekong River, that runs through many nations, Vietnam is very concerned about the transboundary impact and water storage capacity of hydropower projects on the river.
“As we have repeatedly made clear, the development and operation of hydroelectric projects on the Mekong River must ensure there should be no negative impacts, including cross-border impact on the environment as well as socioeconomic development of basin countries, especially downstream countries, and must be in accordance with international law and practice,” he stressed.
The International Mekong River Commission has dialogue partners who are upstream countries and is also actively promoting cooperation with other Mekong mechanisms, Viet said./.
Mekong River water levels on the rise
Water levels in the Mekong River have increased rapidly and are projected to rise further over the next five days, especially from Chiang Khan to Khong Chiam in Thailand and from Vientiane to Savannakhet in Laos, according to the Mekong River Commission (MRC).
