Cambodia says Funan Techo Canal project not linked to hostility with Vietnam

Suos Yara, spokesman for the Cambodian People’s Party, clarified that the Funan Techo Canal project—a plan to connect Cambodia’s rivers to the sea—has not sparked hostility or suspicion between Cambodia and Vietnam.

Speaking on February 8 at a press conference on the outcomes of bilateral and trilateral meetings with Laos and Vietnam, Yara emphasized that past misunderstandings were largely fueled by misinformation, and that the canal’s purpose is to support flood control, water management, irrigation, and regional cooperation along the Mekong River.

Yara said:
“Regarding the Funan Techo Canal issue, there has been no official correspondence between Cambodia and Vietnam that has caused hostility or suspicion. There is none. What we do is work with understanding. We all recognize that misunderstandings in the past were largely due to the media spreading fake news. Fake news is created by bad actors, and false information misleads people.

The Funan Techo Canal is designed for flood control, water management, and distribution for agriculture and irrigation systems. It is intended to support and complement existing waterways.

When water levels in the Mekong River are high and the flow is irregular, the canal helps redirect water to other areas. Even historically, in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, rivers and canals have been used for better navigation and water management. However, some people misinterpret these efforts as causing hostility between countries, when in reality, such interpretations reflect individual opinions rather than national policy.

We manage water resources to ensure stability, which contributes to human security and food security along the Mekong River. Leadership is united, and there is active cooperation within the framework of the Greater Mekong Subregion. Water resources are an essential part of this regional cooperation.”

Khmer Times – February 9, 2026