ASEAN, Mekong River Commission agree on cooperation mechanism to tackle water security challenges

Participants at the second round of talks between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Mekong River Commission (MRC) in Vientiane have committed to resolving water security challenges across the Mekong and ASEAN regions.

According to the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the dialogue identified a series of pressing challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and human-induced negative impact, water shortage, and food security concerns.

To tackle these issues, participating countries agreed to establish a comprehensive cooperation mechanism aimed at enhancing resilience and promoting sustainable development.

In his remarks, Lao Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bounkham Vorachit underscored the significance of the talks as a platform for policymakers and stakeholders to share experiences, seek innovative solutions, and identify areas for collaboration to advance sustainable development and water security commitments.

Participants also agreed on the importance of investing in water infrastructure, adapting to climate change, and managing water resources sustainably. They affirmed that regional cooperation, mutual understanding, and joint projects are crucial for achieving water security goals and sustainability throughout the region.