Various countries, institutions, and organizations have shown their intention to help solve problems concerning the development and management of the Mekong Basin’s water and related resources.

Speaking after the end of the First Summit of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) on April 5 in Hua Hin, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva cited Australia, Japan, and the United States as being among those countries. The summit was attended by the Prime Ministers of MRC Member Countries, namely Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam, and Thailand. Prime Minister Abhisit said that MRC Member Countries were pleased that China had agreed to share information on its river flows and dam operations. The upper basin includes parts of China and Myanmar, and both countries have been Dialogue Partners to the Mekong River Commission since 1996. China has also increased technical cooperation in recent years.

On behalf of delegates at the summit, Prime Minister Abhisit presented a Summary of the Declaration of the First MRC Summit. In the summary, he affirmed the strong and continued commitment of Member Countries to cooperate and promote the sustainable development, utilization, conservation, and management of the Mekong basin’s water and related resources. In terms of priority areas of action, he said, the prime ministers of the four countries highlight that further cooperation over the coming years will be required to optimize multiple-use of water resources and mutual benefits for all riparians, to avoid the risks of harmful effects that might result from natural occurrences and man-made activities, and to protect the immense value of the Basin’s natural ecosystems. In doing so, they encourage MRC to further integrate climate change adaptation in its work and to expand cooperation with Dialogue Partners, Development Partners, and other stakeholders. In this connection, the Member Countries welcome other riparian states to join MRC in the future.

For the way ahead, Prime Minister Abhisit said that MRC Member Countries reaffirm their solidarity and the highest level of political commitment to the implementation of the Mekong Agreement. Furthermore, they are commited to working together for sustainable development, economic growth, and the improvement of livelihoods. In parallel, they recognize that efforts need to be expanded to protect the natural resources of the Mekong Basin for the sustainable management and use of the basin’s resources.

Consistent with the Initiative for ASEAN Integration, they emphasize the need to prioritize resources, funding, and capacity-building for those Member Countries where poverty is highest and economic need is most urgent. Recognizing that economic development is progressing in the Mekong Region, they commit themselves to a vision of MRC as financially sustained by Member Countries by 2030. Furthermore, the Member Countries decided to hold an MRC Summit every four years