This is the first time a cooperation forum between the E.U. and countries in the Mekong River basin has been organized in Vietnam, aiming to discuss support from the E.U. in the region together with chances and challenges to the E.U. – Mekong cooperation in the future.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Quang Hieu reiterated that Vietnam welcomes the participation of development partners, including the E.U., in the sustainable development of the Mekong sub-region, expressing a hope for more effective collaboration and coordination in the coming time.

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At the event

Head of the E.U. Delegation Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti pointed out that numerous global challenges emerge in the Mekong River basin, adding that the E.U. hopes to join hands with regional partners to achieve solutions to climate change, water security, and clean energy, among others.

From E.U. headquarters in Brussels, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Gunnar Wiegand said the E.U. wants to enhance its involvement in the Mekong sub-region and will promote green investment into the region as well as support the region’s recovery in the post-pandemic period.

Discussions at the forum underscored contributions of the E.U. and member countries to the Mekong sub-region’s sustainable development over the recent past.

Countries in the Mekong River basin are advised to regulate development models towards inclusive and green growth while partners need to offer practical support for strengthening water management mechanisms in the region.

Source: VNA