FM spokeswoman Nguyen Phuong Nga made the statement on April 18 while answering reporters’ questions on Vietnam’s reaction to the construction of hydropower dams, including Xayaburi dam, in Laos, on the Mekong River.

“The Mekong River is an international river which is of great significance to the socio-economic development and the spiritual and cultural life of people living along the riverbanks,” she said.

“As a nation sharing the Mekong River, Vietnam wants related nations to closely coordinate in making a thorough overall study of hydropower projects’ impact on the main current of the Mekong River before making any decision on building these works.

Countries along the banks of the river should closely cooperate in equally and rationally exploiting and using resources, particularly water resources, so as to protect the ecological environment, thus contributing to the common sustainable development of the entire Mekong basin and benefitting all nations and people living in the region,” she said.