Mekong - U.S. Partnership
A Vietnamese delegation led by Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh attended the Ministerial Meeting of the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) and the Friends of the Lower Mekong (FLM) Ministerial Meeting in Brunei on July 1.
Under the theme “Opportunities and Challenges on Connectivity and Environment”, the LMI meeting discussed challenges to regional development and proposals for assistance and cooperation by Mekong countries to narrow development gaps.
At the meeting, US Secretary of State John Kerry reaffirmed US commitment to strengthen cooperation with Mekong countries in the implementation of the LMI.
Delegates said that LMI cooperation has gained positive results in six key sections through the implementation of a number of initiatives and joint cooperation programmes.
They agreed to strengthen links between the LMI and the Initiative of ASEAN Integration, and assist Mekong countries in integrating into the fields that the US is strong in, such as education and training, energy, information technology and health care.
Participants agreed to launch the Eminent and Expert Persons Group to make recommendations to the Ministers on the strategic direction of the LMI and the way forward.
The Friends of the Lower Mekong (FLM) Ministerial Meeting discussed opportunities and challenges for the management of shared water resources in the Mekong River.
Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh spoke highly of development dialogues, which aim to strengthen connectivity and integration between Mekong countries.
The Mekong basin in general and Vietnam in particular will be seriously affected by climate change and other environmental challenges, Minh said, adding that related countries should abide by international law and the 1995 Mekong Agreement to use shared water resources sustainably and fairly.
Representatives from the countries pledged to implement two projects proposed by Vietnam in 2012, with a focus on the management of groundwater and water during the dry season in the Mekong basin.
Dialogue partners and donors also were committed to helping Mekong countries improve infrastructure and strive for sustainable development, as well as improving the capacity of the Mekong River Commission in the evaluation of environmental impact and water management.
Source: VOV Online
Source URL: http://english.vov.vn/Politics/Vietnam-attends-Lower-Mekong-Meetings/262155.vov
