It is my great honor to join Excellency Ministers and delegates at the Opening Ceremony of this important event.

I would like to thank the Ministry of Water Resources of China for great efforts to organize this Forum for policy dialogue, technical exchange and experience sharing in the field of water resources.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Mekong-Lancang River Basin, home to more than 60 million people, is now facing ever serious challenges of increasing resource depletion, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.

Only acting together in a timely manner, can we overcome those challenges, protecting our shared prosperity and culture.

To that end, I wish to share the following points:

First, an integrated and sustainable development plan should be established for the entire basin, taking into account national conditions and interests of each member country; promoting partnerships among governments and all stakeholders, including regional and international institutions, scientific and academic communities, enterprises, civil society.

Second, policies and actions on water resources management be aligned with our broader goals of green recovery from Covid-19 pandemic, sustainable and inclusive development, such as the SDGs and commitments made at the COP26.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As an active and responsible member, Viet Nam is committed to work closely with countries to implement our top Leader’s decisions and promote cooperation with all partners to make Mekong-Lancang a river of rich and connected cultures, friendship and cooperation, integration and development.

I wish that after two day fruitfull discussions with key messages and recommendations, all member countries will unite to convert the challenges into new development opportunities, confirm our shared visions and determination for a sustainable and properous basin.

Outcomes of this Forum also serve as important inputs for preparation of the second Ministerial Meeting to be held next year. I wish to welcome you all to Viet Nam for such an event.

I wish you Excellencies Ministers and distinguished delegates good health and success.

I wish our Forum every success.

Thank you.