-H.E.Mr. E Jingping: Minister of Ministry of Water Resources, The People’s Republic of China 

-H.E.Mr. Sommad Pholsena: Minister of Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Lao PDR 

-H.E.Mr.Win Khant: Permanent Secretary, (Deputy Minister), Ministry of Transport and Communications, Myanmar 

-H.E.Mr. Tewan Liptapallaop: The Prime Minister’s Office Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office in Charge of Office of the National Water Resources, Thailand 

-H.E.Mr. Le Cong Thanh: Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Vietnam 

Today, on behalf of H.E. Lim Kean Hor, Minister of Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology of the Kingdom of Cambodia, I am delighted and honored to join with you all in The 1st Ministerial Meeting of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation. Taking this opportunity, on behalf of H.E.M.r. Lim Kean Hor and my own behalf (H.E.M.r. BUN HEAN) the Secretary of State of Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology of Cambodia, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the host government for hosting the meeting of the topic “Water Governance of Lancang-Mekong Countries and Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation” to day in Beijing, the well-known and the most beautiful Capital with a very dynamic growth The People’s Republic of China and giving us a warm welcome.  

I am of the view that this Ministerial Meeting is very important, given the opportunity for all of us here to share experiences and exchange views on the common solutions to the challenges of the Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation in the Currently intended to ensure the sustainable development, including prevention of all problems not to occur in the region. In addition, the first ministerial meeting under the “Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation” was also a rare opportunity for the Minister to express his view, especially by strengthening ties in troubleshooting of Lancang-Mekong cooperation framework. 

Excellency Chairman, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen!
 

Contributing to the economic and social development of the countries of the sub-region, enhancing the well-being of our people, narrowing the development gap among our countries, supporting ASEAN Community building, promoting the implementation of the UN 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development and advance South-South Cooperation, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) has jointly been established by our six countries in March 2016, in recognition of both the Sanya Declaration of the 1st LMC Leaders’ Meeting and the Phnom Penh Declaration of the Second LMC Leader’s Call for enhanced cooperation on Water Resources Management and Management Transparency among LMC countries. 

In this context, the LMC member countries in the region have worked hard to ensure water sustainability, support for people's livelihoods and sustainable development. 

We know that WATER is an important natural resource and valuable asset that the people of LMC countries rely on for their livelihoods, a strategic plan and cooperative management plan for water resources have been developed to meet socioeconomic needs and issues. Water-related challenges aim to promote sustainable socio-economic development through advocacy Management and sustainable use of water resources. Therefore, through the Five-Year Action Plan on Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (2018-2022), it proposes the implementation of a top-level design for co-operation among LMC countries in sustainable water use and strengthening the core dialogue. Water resource policy and best practices of national water governance have examined the progress of cooperation resources Lancang-Mekong set the further direction of development and priority activities under the theme of "Promoting Partnerships for sustainable development" 

Since its inception, the six countries have worked together to implement management decisions and bring cooperation in the water resources sector with a wide range of outcomes. Further proactive steps have been taken to establish partnerships with other sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, including the MRC, sub-regional organizations and other international organizations such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Water Management Institute. IWMI) and the Global Water Partnership (GWP). An important development in this regard is the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the LMC Water Center and the MRC Secretariat (MRCS). 

Excellency Chairman, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen!
 

I really appreciate the great support of the six member countries' agencies for the Mekong-Lancang water resources cooperation in fulfilling the coordinated and active role played by the LMC Water Center. I note that the water sector in each member country will need more support and attention to meet the rapid socio-economic development needs and progress of the LMC. At the same time, on behalf of H.E. Lim Kean Hor, Minister of Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology of the Kingdom of Cambodia, I will firmly continue to cooperate more actively with existing and emerging regional mechanisms and initiatives in the spirit of joint efforts and partnerships. To address regional challenges for the common good, both now and in the future. 

Before concluding, on behalf of H.E. Lim Kean Hor, Minister of Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology of the Kingdom of Cambodia, I reiterate the shared commitment of the six countries to co-operate in the Lancang-Mekong water resources effectively and sustainably and prevent any problems that may arise. In this spirit, we will all work together through exchanges of experience, cooperation and even better partnerships. I firmly believe that after this first Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, we will all gain the experiences and knowledge of effective and sustainable Lancang-Mekong water resources cooperation to move forward achieving our mission is for a prosperous and sustainable future. 

Finally, I wish the 1st Ministerial Meeting a successful meeting, and get the best result of expected and best wishes to you, Excellencies ladies and gentlemen, for joining us. At the 1st Ministerial Meeting today. 

Thanks!