Vietnam interested in cross-border impacts of Mekong River projects
VOV.VN - Vietnam, a Mekong River downstream country, is interested in the cross-border impact of hydro-electric projects on the Mekong River, said Doan Khac Viet, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, at a regular press briefing in Hanoi on May 23.
The Mekong River is an inter-regional river that flows through many countries and as a downstream country, Vietnam is greatly interested in the transboundary impacts and water retention capacity of the dams, said Viet.
The diplomat made the statement when being asked about measures to deal with the impacts of 14 hydroelectric dams along the Mekong River.
He emphasized that the development and operation of hydroelectric projects on the mainstream of the Mekong River must ensure that they do not cause negative impacts, including cross-border impacts on the environment, socio-economic affairs and livelihoods in the riparian countries, particularly in downstream countries in accordance with international law.
Vietnam stands ready to collaborate with parties concerned to manage and harness the water resources of the Mekong River in an effective and sustainable manner, in order to balance the interests among affected countries and to reduce the impacts on people’s lives in the region, he said.
The Mekong River Commission that comprises Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam engages in dialogues with upstream countries along the Mekong River Basin (China and Myanmar), and actively promotes cooperation with other nations, added Viet.
