Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (left) pays a historic visit to the headquarters of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) in Vientiane, Laos, on October 11. - Photo: MRC
VIENTIANE: In what the Mekong River Commission (MRC) have referred to as “a landmark event” for Mekong cooperation, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada made an official visit to the MRC headquarters in Vientiane, Laos Friday (Oct 11).
His courtesy call marked the first time a head of government from an MRC development partner has attended the facility.
"The visit, which took place on the sidelines of the Asean Summit hosted by Laos, underscores Canada’s growing commitment to the sustainable management of the Mekong River, which supports the livelihoods of millions of people in Southeast Asia," said a same day MRC press release.
"Trudeau met with local fishers and farmers who depend on the Mekong River for their livelihoods.
"Accompanied by Canadian Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng and MRC Secretariat CEO Anoulak Kittikhoun, he engaged directly with the local people listening to their stories of how the river sustains their daily lives.
"He also learned firsthand about the challenges they face due to climate and environmental changes, as well as cross-border water management issues," it explained.
The prime minister reiterated his support for the MRC’s role in fostering collaboration among the Mekong nations – Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam – and its efforts to ensure that communities living along the river continue to benefit from its rich resources.
"Canada recognises the vital importance of the Mekong River, not just as a source of development but as a lifeline for millions of people," he was quoted as saying in the press release.
"The MRC is doing essential work by bringing countries together to manage and protect these shared resources.
"Canada is proud to support this mission, and we will continue to work alongside the MRC to safeguard Mekong for future generations."
Canada recently formalised its development partnership with the MRC, contributing approximately US$1.5 million through its Global Affairs Canada, the government department responsible for managing diplomatic relations, international trade and development assistance.
The MRC explained that this funding is aimed at supporting the MRC’s critical initiatives, including transboundary water management, river monitoring and forecasting, with a special focus on enhancing community resilience to water-related challenges.
Kittikhoun declared that Trudeau’s visit underscored Canada’s vital support in advancing the MRC’s mission and the country’s engagement in the region.
"We’re honoured by the visit, which marks a new chapter in our cooperation with Canada," he said.
"Canada’s support comes at a crucial time as we intensify our efforts to manage the Mekong’s water resources for the benefit of all the people in the region and their governments.
"We look forwards to continuing this valuable partnership as we tackle the complex challenges of sustainable water resource management together," he added.
He explained that the MRC plays a critical role in coordinating cooperation between the Mekong countries and other international partners and stakeholders.
It is at the forefront of transboundary water resource management, which is vital for the region’s ecological and socio-economic well-being.
Kittikhoun noted that as climate change and increased development continue to strain water resources, the MRC’s work is becoming more important and relevant than ever.
"With Canada’s support and the prime minister’s historic visit, the MRC is positioned to strengthen its efforts to promote sustainable development, enhance regional cooperation, and improve the livelihoods of millions of people who rely on the Mekong River," concluded the release. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
