HCMC – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for Cambodia to share information about its Funan Techo Canal project which is believed to impact water sources, water resources, and the ecological environment of the Mekong sub-region.
Responding to a media question about Vietnam’s reaction to recent statements from Cambodia over the Funan Techo Canal project, the spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pham Thu Hang, said on May 5: “We hope that Cambodia will continue to coordinate closely with Vietnam and other countries in the Mekong River Commission to share information, and thoroughly assess the project’s impacts on water sources, water resources, and the ecological environment of the Mekong sub-region, along with appropriate management measures to ensure the harmonization of interests of the riparian countries, and effective and sustainable management and utilization of Mekong water resources, for the sustainable development of the basin, the solidarity among the riparian countries, and the future of generations to come.”
The spokesperson emphasized that Vietnam always prioritizes its foreign policy towards maintaining a good, friendly, and traditional neighborly relationship, and comprehensive, sustainable, long-term cooperation with Cambodia, hoping to deepen bilateral relations in practical and effective ways across various fields for the benefit of the people of both countries.
The leaders of both parties and states have affirmed that the traditional Vietnam-Cambodia solidarity is extremely important, serving as a significant source of strength in both the past struggles for national liberation and independence, and the current endeavors towards development.
“Vietnam always supports, is pleased with, and highly values the achievements that Cambodia has made recently,” stated Hang.
As for the Funan Techo Canal project, she affirmed Vietnam’s keen interest and respect for Cambodia’s legitimate interests in accordance with the spirit of the 1995 Mekong Agreement, relevant regulations of the Mekong River Commission, and the traditional friendly neighborly relations between the two countries.
Cambodia plans to start work on the 180-km Funan Techo Canal by the end of this year at a total cost of US$1.7 billion. The canal will be the first waterway connecting Phnom Penh and the coastal province of Kep.
The project would help boost economic development in Cambodia by facilitating the transportation of goods between Phnom Penh port and the deep-sea port in Sihanoukville.
However, regional and international experts have expressed concerns about the project’s impacts on the lower reaches of the Mekong River.
According to documents sent by Cambodia to the Mekong River Commission in August 2023, the Funan Techo Canal is expected to begin operation in 2028.
