Excellencies Ministers,  

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Lancang-Mekong Cooperation plays a more important role in the regional cooperation for the sustainable peace, solidarity, stability, friendship and prosperous development and growth in the Mekong region and the Lancang-Mekong shared water is increasingly acknowledged as the resource of vital importance for supporting and contributing to the sustainable development and growth in each of the riparian countries and in our region as a whole. 

Of this importance in mind and our heart, we have to continue to work together in closer and better cooperation and partnership towards the realization of our desirable direction in a sustainable manner.     

It is our pleasure and congratulation for the conclusion of the First Ministerial Meeting of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation framework that the outcome document of the Meeting titled “Joint Statement of the Ministerial Meeting of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation” was adopted. It forms the working basis and paves the way towards a concrete plan of action for furthering our water resources cooperation for our prosperous future. 

Taking this opportunity, we wish also to congratulate and witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Lancang-Mekong Water Resource Cooperation Center and the Mekong River Commission Secretariat at this Ministerial Meeting. We encourage the both sides to work together in the stronger spirit of cooperation for the common benefit of the sustainable development and management of the Mekong water resources and we look forward to the significant work progress and achievement to be made from this joint endeavor. 

On behalf of Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, I would like to express our sincere and high appreciation for the agreed outcomes of the Meeting and to reiterate our firm determination in working together with all other riparian countries to make the outcomes of our Ministerial Meeting of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation effectively and successfully implemented for our common and mutual benefits both now and in the future. 

Thank you.