Viet Nam highly interested in Funan Techo canal project

The Spokesperson made the the above statement in response to reporters’ inquiries about Viet Nam’s response to Cambodia’s recent statements about the implementation of the canal project.

The diplomat expected that Cambodia would take appropriate management measures to ensure harmonious interests of the riparian countries, effective and sustainable management and use of the Mekong river's water resources for the sustainable development of the basin, solidarity among the riparian countries and the future of later generations.

Viet Nam always treasures and gives top priority to its fine neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability with Cambodia in its foreign policy, affirmed Pham, expressing her wish that the bilateral ties would further deepen and become more practical and effective in various sectors for the benefit of the two countries’ people.

Leaders of the two Parties and States have consistently affirmed that the historical tradition of solidarity and coordination between Viet Nam and Cambodia is an extremely important factor, a great source of strength for the past cause of national liberation and independence protection as well as the current process of construction and development of each country.

Viet Nam always supports, rejoices at and highly values Cambodia's achievements in recent years, said Pham.

Viet Nam is greatly interested in the Funan Techo canal project and respects the legitimate interests of Cambodia in accordance with the 1995 Mekong Agreement and relevant regulations of the Mekong River Commission as well as the neighboring cooperation and traditional friendship between the two countries.

The US$1.7-billion canal is about 180km long, connecting the Phnom Penh River port with the Gulf of Thailand in southwestern Cambodia.

The canal is designed to pass through four provinces with a total population of 1.6 million people living on both sides./.