The 1st Special Meeting of JWG for consultation on the draft Five-Year Action Plan on Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation (2018-2022) was held in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China from 31st July to 1st August 2018. Delegations of five Lancang-Mekong countries participated in the meeting. The delegation from Cambodia was not available due to the National election.

The Meeting was chaired by Dr. Yu Xingjun, head of Chinese delegation, Consul (DG level), Department of International Cooperation, Science and Technology, Ministry of Water Resources. Lao PDR delegation was headed by Mr. Chanthanet Boualapha, Secretary General of Lao National Mekong Committee Secretariat. Myanmar delegation was headed by Mr. Htun Lwin Oo, Director General of Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems, Ministry of Transport and Communications. Thai land delegation was headed by Mr. Worasart Apai pong, Director General, Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Viet Nam delegation was headed by Ms. Le Thi Huong, Head of Division of Viet Nam National Mekong Committee, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

The discussion of the Action Plan was facilitated by Dr. Zhong Yong, Secretary General of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Center (LMWRCC).

The Meeting was held in an open，friendly and constructive manner. The outcome of the meeting was recorded as follows.

1. Remarks by the heads of delegations

Heads of delegations reassured in their opening remarks that the Five-year Action Plan of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation, as one of the major outcomes of implementing the spirit of the Declaration of the Ist and 2nd LMC Leaders' Meeting, would play an important role in enhancing water resources cooperation under the LMC mechanism. They reaffirmed that LMC water resources cooperation will contribute to the sustainable water resources development in the region and benefit the peoples in the six member countries.

Heads of delegations expressed condolences to the governments of Lao PDR and Cambodia and the peoples affected by the recent collapse of the saddle dam in the South of Lao PDR.

Heads of delegations also expressed their appreciation for LMWRCC’s efforts in drafting this Five-Year Action Plan, required the active roles of LMWRCC as a platform for water resources cooperation and its support to the implementation of this Action Plan.

2.Outcome of the 1st special meeting

The revised version of the draft Five-Year Plan was produced after intensive discussion. Delegations will provide further comments after consultation with line ministries, preferably before the 2nd special meeting.

The Chinese JWG will provide the revised version of the draft Action Plan to Cambodian JWG for its comments.

3.Next steps

Delegations expressed their appreciation for the kind arrangement and hospitality of the Chinese side.

The minutes was recorded in English in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China on 1 August 2018, in five copies.