Prosperity, cohesion and harmony in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) will only be achieved if a proper balance is struck between the human-socio-economic systems in the region.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made the affirmation on December 20 at the opening of the fifth Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS) summit in Bangkok, Thailand, adding that the proper balance of the three elements is pivotal to obtaining the goal of sustainable and comprehensive development.

The PM said all of the countries in the region are responsible for the management of the water resources and its preservation is the glue that binds the governments and the peoples of the nations inextricably together.

Under the 5^th GMS summit framework, PM Dung delivered a speech at the Leaders' Retreat meeting, presenting clear-cut viewpoints on sustainable and comprehensive development and practical ideas on harmonious cooperation with the nature and people in regional countries.

He put forth proposals on enhanced connectivity between the GMS and other regional initiatives, notably a roadmap for establish an ASEAN Community in 2015 and measures to mobilise sources for realizing the GMS investment framework by 2022.

The summit adopted a joint declaration and a number of documents on a plan to implement the Regional Investment Framework (RIF) in 2014-2018, the establishment of the Regional Power Coordination Center (RPCC), GMS Railway Association, and GMS Transport Sector Strategy Study for 2006-2015.

It agreed to hold the next summit in Viet Nam in 2017.