Bangkok, Thailand, 9 April 2026 – The Mekong River Commission (MRC) is hosting the 13th Mekong Sister Rivers Partnership Exchange on 8–12 April, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand and Vientiane, Lao PDR. This significant gathering will bring together water resource leaders from the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Pacific Ocean Division (POD) and experts from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam, to strengthen international cooperation in sustainable water and resource management.

This year’s exchange will focus on critical topics, such as water management, technology and innovation for real-time simulation as well as Drone Lidar Technology. Delegations from the MRC, the Mississippi River Commission (MiRC-USA), and USACE POD will engage in workshops, discussions, and field visits aimed at developing innovative and collaborative solutions.

“This exchange reflects a shared commitmentto deliver – bringing together engineering, data, and experience to address real challengeson our rivers,” said Maj. Gen. Kimberly Peeples, president of MiRC-USA. “By applying what works and strengthening how we operate, we improve reliability, reduce risk, and support long-term economic stability for the communities we serve.”

While visiting Bangkok, Thailand, highlights of the exchange include site visits to Kholong Lat Pho Flood Diversion project and Suvarnabhumi Airport Floodway System.

Delegates will also be briefed on flood forecasting and early warning system in high-risk areas and weather forecasting for flash flood warning while in Vientiane, Laos.

“Our rivers may be thousands of kilometers apart, but the challenges we face are very similar. This exchange is timely as it allows us to learn directly from one another, apply what works, and find improvements on how we can protect our river systems for communities today and for future generations,” said Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Chief Executive Officer of the MRC Secretariat.

The Sister Rivers Partnership, established in 2010, aims to foster collaboration between the Mekong and Mississippi river basins to address shared challenges such as disaster risk reduction, sustainable river development, and regional cooperation.

The Sister Rivers Partnership is an essential component of the broader Mekong-U.S. Partnership, which advances sustainable development, enhances disaster resilience, and fosters economic growth across the region.

“The Mekong Sister Rivers Partnership is a prime example of how powerful collaboration can be,” said Army Brig. Gen. Joseph “Clete” Goetz, POD commanding general. “Together, we are tackling some of the most significant water challenges of our era—issues that don’t recognize national boundaries.”

Goetz added, “By working with our Mekong partners, we are not only enhancing water resource management but also fostering regional stability and economic prosperity.”

About the Mekong River Commission

The MRC is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1995 to boost regional dialogue and cooperation in the Lower Mekong River Basin. Based on the Mekong Agreement among Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam, the MRC serves as both a regional platform for water diplomacy and a knowledge hub – to manage water resources and support sustainable development of the region.

Note to Editors

Photos can be downloaded here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KvAVZuZBFkwwYN27pJqL4CltJlpYECqO

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For more information, please contact:

Ms. MAO Chandaly

Communications Officer for Press

Mekong River Commission Secretariat

Email: chandaly@mrcmekong.org