At the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam on August 8, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet answered a question about Vietnam's reaction to Cambodia's commencement of construction of the Funan Techo Channel.
Mr. Doan Khac Viet stated: "The Mekong River is a priceless asset, a spiritual connection point for the special friendship between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Vietnam wishes for the countries along the Mekong River, including Cambodia, to cooperate together in managing and developing the Mekong River's water resources effectively and sustainably, for the benefit of the community of people living in the Mekong River area, as well as for the future of generations to come and the bond of friendship between countries in the Mekong River basin".
Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet emphasized: "In that spirit, Vietnam supports Cambodia's development efforts, as well as respects Cambodia's construction and implementation of the Funan Techo Channel project. At the same time, we also hope to cooperate and conduct a comprehensive and thorough assessment of the project's impacts and take appropriate measures to minimize the impacts".
Earlier, on August 5, Cambodia held a groundbreaking ceremony, officially commencing the construction of the Funan Techo Channel project. The groundbreaking ceremony of the Funan Techo Channel was chaired by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The location of the groundbreaking ceremony was in Preak Takeo village, Kien Svay district, Kandal province. According to the design, this is the starting point of the channel, which will then embark on a long journey of 180 km passing through Kandal, Takeo, and Kampot provinces before flowing into the sea in Kep province.
