K-water, Cambodia open the tap on cooperation in resource management

The chief of the Korea Water Resources Corporation met with the Cambodian prime minister to discuss cooperation in water resource management.

The Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) CEO Yun Seogdae, left, met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Friday in central Seoul. [K-WATER]

The chief of the Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to discuss cooperation in managing the Southeast Asian country’s water resources, said the state-run utility.

The meeting, which took place at Lotte Hotel in central Seoul on Friday, came after the Cambodian prime minister and President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed to a bilateral strategic partnership between their two countries on Thursday during Manet’s four-day state visit to Korea from Wednesday to Saturday.

“As Korea and Cambodia established a strategic partnership, we are pleased to have this opportunity to further expand our cooperation in water resources, energy and urban [management] sectors,” said K-water CEO Yun Seogdae.

“Based on K-water’s water management capabilities, we hope to contribute to Cambodia’s sustainable development and open up a new waterway for friendship and cooperation for both countries.”

During the meeting, Yun suggested expanding joint efforts in integrated water management and putting forward a plan to resolve the water management issue in the Mekong River.

According to K-water, Manet expressed strong interest in the comprehensive water management plan, and requested active participation by the Korean company.

Moreover, Yun and Manet agreed to extend the ongoing collaboration in the establishment of a nationwide water management masterplan for Cambodia and a smart water management system in Phnom Penh into other areas, including a water circulation system as well as energy and urban management.

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]