In Vientiane, Laos, the Mekong River Commission (MRC), in collaboration with ASEAN, co-hosted the second ASEAN-MRC Water Security Dialogue under the theme: "Sustainable Investment for a Connected, Resilient, and Water-Secure Southeast Asia."
At the dialogue, Mrs. Bounkham Vorachit, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Laos, Chairperson of the Lao National Mekong Committee, and Chairperson of the MRC Council for 2024, highlighted the need for enhanced preparedness and resilience to natural disasters, especially in response to the recent severe floods in the Mekong River Basin. To harness the potential of the Mekong Basin and ASEAN, countries need to strengthen regional connectivity. "A connected Mekong will bring more opportunities for trade, energy sharing, disaster response, and environmental protection—key factors for long-term water security," said Minister Bounkham Vorachit.
Leading theViet Namese delegation at the dialogue, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thu Linh, Chief of theViet Nam Mekong Committee Office, emphasizedViet Nam's commitment to participating in efforts to ensure water security in Southeast Asia, addressing challenges faced byViet Nam and the region, such as environmental degradation, water usage, and water-related natural disasters, as exemplified by the recent Typhoon Yagi. These challenges underscore the urgent need for coordinated and sustainable investments to enhance the region's resilience to natural disasters.