MRC Summit pinpoints long-term sustainability

( From left ) Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Lao Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung attend the first MRC Summit in Hua Hin, Thailand, on April 5. –Xinhua .

MRC Summit pinpoints long-term sustainability

HUA HIN, Thailand (Xinhua) -- The first Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit was held on Monday in Thailand's seaside resort town of Hua Hin, with discussions focusing on enhancing trans-boundary cooperation for long-term sustainability.

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In his opening speech, Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said "This summit is sending a strong message that all countries in the Mekong River basin, in both its upper and lower parts, are stakeholders. And we all have to take joint responsibility for its long-term sustainability for present as well as for future generations."

Currently, the Mekong River is being threatened by serious problems arising from both unsustainable use of water and the effects of climate change, Mr Abhisit said.

Significant problems that have been affecting people along the Mekong River include a drop in the water level, resulting water shortages, pollution, and depletion of natural resources, he said.

Mr Abhisit stressed trans-boundary cooperation is vital when a resource is shared by more than one country.

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