On 5 April 2014, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Thailand, led the Thai delegation to the 2nd Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit  in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

At the Summit, the Permanent Secretary reiterated Thailand's commitment and readiness to work with MRC countries to enhance cooperation in sustainable development of the Mekong River and the overall economic development of the Mekong Sub-region. He also shared his vision on the ways towards Mekong Basin's sustainability through (1) redoubling joint efforts to achieve sustainable development and green growth for the Mekong Sub-region which is in line with the ongoing discussions in the UN about the post-2015 Development Agenda, in particular the Sustainable Development Goals  (2) ensuring a better balance between water, food and energy security, as demands for the limited resources keep rising 3) enhancing coherence among various frameworks which aim at enhancing the development of the Mekong Sub-region and closing the capacity gaps among the MRC countries through multi-stakeholder partnership and (4) moving forward the strengthening of the MRC, taking into account the changing Mekong landscape.

 At the conclusion of the Summit, the Leaders adopted the Ho Chi Minh City Declaration which reaffirms their political will to promote sustainable development, utilization, conservation and management of the Mekong River and its related resources as well as set future strategic directions for the MRC, which Thailand will further submit to the new Cabinet for approval.

The 2nd MRC Summit was also attended by Ministers from 2 MRC Dialogue Partners - People’s Republic of China and Myanmar and more than 30 high level representatives from Development Partners and Observers. Cambodia will host the 3rd MRC Summit in April 2018.

8 April 2014