The Government News quoted Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet as stating at a regular press briefing in Hanoi on August 8 that Vietnam respects Cambodia’s implementation of the Funan Techo Canal project.

The Deputy Spokesperson emphasized the importance of the Mekong River, describing it as an invaluable asset that connects Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

He called for cooperation among Mekong countries to manage and sustainably develop the river.

He said that Vietnam wishes countries along the river, including Cambodia, to work together to cultivate cooperation for the sake of the community and for the benefit of people living in the riverine area, for the future generations and the solidarity between the riverine countries.

Vietnam expects to coordinate with Cambodia on a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of the project and launch suitable measures to reduce its impacts, the Deputy Spokesperson added.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on August 5 presided over a groundbreaking ceremony of the Funan Techo Canal project in Preak Takeo village of Kien Svay district in Kandal province.

According to the design itself, this is the first point of the canal, which begins a 180km journey through Kandal, Takeo, and Kampot provinces, before then emptying into the sea in Kep province.

According to documents submitted by Cambodia to the Mekong River Commission in August 2023, the Funan Techo Canal is scheduled to commence operations in 2028.