Viet Nam cares about trans-border impacts of Mekong river dams
VGP - As a downstream country of the Mekong River, Viet Nam is very concerned about the trans-border impacts of hydroelectric dams built on the river, said Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet.
The Deputy Spokesperson made the above statement at a press briefing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ha Noi on May 23.
There are 14 hydroelectric dams on the Mekong River and experts say these dams may result in a decrease in the river's flow and the sediments reaching downstream areas, which contributes to salt intrusion and erosion in the Mekong Delta in Southern Viet Nam.
Viet Nam is willing and stands ready to work with relevant countries to enhance cooperation in order to effectively and sustainably manage and use the Mekong River’s water resources.
The construction and operation of hydroelectric projects on the Mekong River must ensure that they should not cause negative impacts, including cross-border impacts on the environment, socio-economic development, and society of countries in the area, especially downstream countries, and must be in accordance with international law and regulations,” he stressed.
On May 5, 2024, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said that Viet Nam is interested in, and closely following the developments concerning Funan Techo canal project, but respects the legitimate interests of Cambodia in accordance with the 1995 Mekong Agreement, relevant regulations of the Mekong River Commission (MRC), the traditional and friendly neighborliness between the two countries.
The Mekong River, spanning 4,350 km, is the lifeblood for tens of millions of people in several countries, including China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam./.
