The Myanmar delegation led by Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Khin Maung Yi arrived back in Yangon yesterday evening after attending the second ASEAN-Mekong River Commission (MRC) Water Security Dialogue in Laos.
During the visit to Laos, the Myanmar delegation attended the opening ceremony of the second ASEAN-MRC Water Security Dialogue at Souphattra Hotel in Vientiane, Laos, on 18 September morning.
Speaking at the event, the Union minister said the Mekong River plays a pivotal role in freshwater resources fishery resources, food security, hydropower generation and socioeconomic status development not only in the MRC states but also in the ASEAN regions.
Myanmar is endowed with abundant water resources, holding 16 per cent of water resources among the ASEAN countries and 12 per cent of all Asia. Currently, most of the world’s nations are facing water-related disasters due to climate change.
He also urged the setting of innovative policies for climate change and water security, supervision of water management, application of nature-based methods, and investment in the water management sector and human resources development. He also pledged that Myanmar would actively cooperate with regional countries.
The dialogue was attended by representatives, water resources and environmental ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries, senior officials of the ASEAN Secretariat, and water management experts from China, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, New Zealand and the US.
At noon, the Union minister met Thai National Mekong Committee Secretary-General Dr Surasri Kidtimonton and discussed the in Myanmar, efforts to control wildfire outbreak and transboundary haze pollution, drafting of plans, conducting public awareness at Myanmar and Thai border areas, release of early flood warnings, water management cases and cooperation in watersheds prevention sector.
He then called on Dr Bounkham Vorachit, the Natural Resources and Environmental Minister of Laos, and they discussed ongoing work plans to reduce haze pollution in Laos and Myanmar.
During the meeting with Brunei Development Minister Mr Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, and openly exchanged views on the situation in which Myanmar can sign as a member in establishing ASEAN Climate Change Centre (ACCC) in Brunei. — MNA/KTZH
