Water resources minister Thor Chetha (right) shakes hands with US ambassador W Patrick Murphy during their meeting on March 11. MWRM
Cambodia has requested US cooperation in the field of meteorology, especially regarding weather forecasting and the improvement of early warning systems that will reduce the risk of vulnerable people suffering economic losses due to natural disasters like flooding.
The request came during a March 11 meeting between Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology Thor Chetha and US ambassador to Cambodia W Patrick Murphy.
During the meeting, Chetha offered his appreciation for the support that the US government has provided to Cambodia for construction and socio-economic development, particularly in the water resources sector, an important part of the Kingdom’s economic growth, according to a ministry social media post.
He explained that the ministry is responsible for two main tasks: water management – for agricultural or industrial use, as well as to meet the daily needs of the public – and meteorological forecasting, to provide advance notice of weather conditions.
“The ministry is currently focused on building infrastructure and developing the water resource management and weather forecasting sectors, in order to ensure reliable water sources and responsiveness to climate change, both catalysts for economic growth and poverty reduction. In particular, we are working to ensure that farmers can cultivate their crops,” he said.
He suggested that the US cooperate with the municipal and provincial water resource departments to improve forecasting, as well as information systems, in order to protect vulnerable populations by warning them of natural disasters that may affect them.
Chetha also asked for training assistance for officials of the meteorology and hydrology departments.
According to the ministry, Murphy accepted the requests, saying he would refer them to the US for further discussion.
“Strengthening friendships and partnerships aims to enable Cambodia to achieve the cause of peace, stability and development, within the framework of its national independence and sovereignty,” said the minister.
Chiv Sunheng, chief of the minister’s cabinet, explained that the ministry’s requests focus on strengthening the capacity of its technical staff.
“We are facing several challenges, as the capacity of our officials remains limited in some areas of meteorology,” he said.
He added that the ministry has not yet established any direct bilateral cooperation with the US, although it has worked with them through the regional framework of the Mekong River Commission (MRC).
Sunheng said the minister has proposed additional future cooperation, possibly through exchanges with the Mississippi River Commission.
