Phnom penh: The Mekong River Commission (MRC), alongside its Dialogue Partners, China and Myanmar, has celebrated the 30th anniversary of their formal dialogue, underscoring the significance of information sharing and collaboration for the sustainable governance of the Mekong-Lancang River Basin.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, at the anniversary event, H.E. So Sophort, Secretary General of the Cambodia National Mekong Committee and Chairperson of the MRC Joint Committee for 2026, highlighted the historic agreement made 30 years ago by all riparian countries to exchange information on activities and projects concerning the use of the Mekong River and its resources. The countries committed to exploring cooperative methods for sustainably utilizing the river and its resources, with the aim of promoting development for the benefit of the people across the six riparian nations.
H.E. So Sophort pointed out the growing significance of this cooperation as the Mekong-Lancang River Basin confronts escalating environmental and socio-economic challenges, particularly the impacts of climate change and increasing weather unpredictability. He emphasized the urgency of achieving comprehensive information sharing among the six countries regarding the Lancang-Mekong River Basin to strengthen coordination in addressing flood and drought disasters.
Future areas of collaboration proposed by China include urgent notifications, broader basin-wide data sharing, and joint initiatives on flood forecasting and drought response. These proposals seek to enhance coordination among the countries and improve their readiness to tackle complex water-related challenges throughout the basin.
Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, CEO of the MRC Secretariat, stressed that trust is fundamental to effective river cooperation. She remarked that trust is built through consistent actions such as agreed data sharing and timely communication of changes, aimed at better preparedness and protection of the Mekong and its people. She encouraged the countries to continue their cooperation with openness and shared purpose, ensuring the Mekong River remains a sustaining force for communities and a unifying link among the nations for future generations.
The Mekong-Lancang River Basin, shared by China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Viet Nam, requires cooperation and information exchange to address mutual challenges related to water resources, climate change, floods, droughts, and sustainable development.