លោកស្រីជូឡូងស៊ូមូរ៉ាស្រ្តីអ្នកនយោបាយដ៏ឆ្នើមតស៊ូដើម្បីជាតិនិងពលរដ្ឋកម្ពុជា

I told the audience that

- the Mekong River belongs to the people of all six riparian countries, there are no borders, anything happening to the River, any development project in one country affects the other countries

- therefore, it is indispensable to dialogue, debate, evaluate cost and benefit expected from any development project on the Mekong River. Dialogue between governments, dialogue between government and local people, dialogue between upstream countries and downstream countries, dialogue between scientists and political decision-makers. Dialogue in a spirit of respect for everyone's livelihoods and living conditions, dialogue in search of synergistic, sustainable, creative solutions that benefit everyone one equitably and fairly.

I challenged the representatives from all riparian countries who were present at the Symposium, to look at the Mekong River as a uniting channel for our six riparian countries, for better communication, more sustainable and eco-friendly development, instead of each country trying to make the most out of the River without paying attention to the others, thus creating tensions and conflicts.

I asked the audience if the history of Europe (the Symposium was organized with the active participation of the German government) could be a source of inspiration for us in Asia. After centuries of hatred, mistrust and murderous wars, the European countries have found the way towards peace and reconciliation based on respect for each other and solidarity towards each other.