Mekong River Commission

Prime Minister calls on nations to share the “Mekong Spirit”

MRC No.16/04
Vientiane, 27 August 2004

 

H.E. Mr Bounnhang Vorachith, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, today called upon the riparian nations to show the “Mekong Spirit” and strengthen cooperation in order to make the best use of the Mekong River, while ensuring its enduring sustainability.

The Prime Minister was addressing Government representatives from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam, as well as Vientiane-based dignitaries and representatives from the international diplomatic, donor and NGO communities, at the Official Inauguration of the Mekong River Commission Secretariat in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Delivering the official inauguration speech, H.E. Mr Vorachith told the guests that the Government of the Lao PDR was in favour of finding long term solutions to improve the livelihood of the Lao people, while protecting the environment and the well being of the country’s neighbours. “Ongoing and active membership of the Mekong River Commission will allow us to do this,” he said, adding that the Government gave priority to the work of the MRC.

The ceremony started with an official welcome from Dr Olivier Cogels, the MRC’s new Chief Executive Officer who thanked the Lao Government for providing a wonderful new building for the Secretariat and also expressed his gratitude to the Governments of Thailand and Viet Nam, Japan and Korea for their provision of essential equipment and funds to complete the building.

“I am confident this building will bind together what I believe to be a world class administrative and technical team and place us in a perfect position to continue implementation of our challenging programme and foster the development of professional expertise in the region,” he said.

HE Mr Somphong Mongkhonvilay, MRC Council Chairman for 2004/2005 and Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office talked about the work of the Commission, explaining that the MRC’s priorities required careful management and considered decision-making.

“We must remain focused on continued development of the capacity of our river basin management specialists from within the region, and draw on the support of those selected from around the world to contribute the technical expertise we require,” he said. “We rely heavily on the MRC Secretariat for this technical support and this venue provides a high quality base from which to facilitate the work of the MRC as well as its views of the Mekong River being a daily reminder of the importance of long-term sustainable development for the people of the basin.”

 

For more information, please contact:

Ms Virginia Addison, Communications Officer,
Tel: 856 21 263 263 Ext 1122.
Mobile: (856) 20 559 9139
Fax: (856-21) 263 264
Email: virginia@mrcmekong.org
Website: www.mrcmekong.org

 

 

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