US, Mekong countries join hands for sustainable development

MANILA, Aug 8 (TNA) – The Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) ministerial meeting agreed on the new Mekong Water Data Initiative proposed by the US and hailed it as an important step in developing science-based decisions of their shared river system. Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai is in the Philippines’ capital of Manila to attend the 10th LMI ministerial meeting and other meetings including the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting from Aug 4-8. The Ministers of the Mekong countries welcomed Secretary Tillerson’s chairmanship of the LMI. The LMI meeting on Monday issued a joint statement and re-affirmed their commitment to LMI as a primary driver of Lower Mekong sub-regional economic integration and sustainable development. The LMI members pledged to implement the LMI Plan of Action 2016 – 2020 and the Sustainable Infrastructure Partnership in the management and development of regional infrastructure projects and to continue their close collaboration with the Friends of the Lower Mekong and the Mekong River Commission to support inclusive, sustainable and environment-responsible growth in the Mekong river basin. The Thai foreign minister said he reaffirm Thailand’s roles through the partnership in supporting sustainable development and ASEAN integration and reducing inequality in development. He reiterated that Thailand has played an important role in the LMI Education pillar through regional cooperation in collaboration with the US in the educational projects such as the LMI University Network and the Young Scientist Programme. (TNA)