Kazakhstan assumes chairmanship of International Fund for Aral Sea preservation

Astana, The Gulf Observer: Beginning this year, Kazakhstan has assumed the chairmanship of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea according to the press service of the Ministry of water resources and irrigation of Kazakhstan. This significant leadership role signifies Kazakhstan’s commitment to fostering robust collaborations with Central Asian nations and international entities to effectively tackle the multifaceted challenges afflicting the Aral Sea region. The nation’s objective revolves around consolidating partnerships with neighboring Central Asian countries and engaging with global organizations and financial institutions. Kazakhstan’s proactive stance aims to address the pressing environmental, ecological, and socio-economic concerns prevalent in the Aral Sea basin, signaling a concerted effort toward sustainable solutions and regional cooperation.

During a recent meeting attended by the Swiss ambassador Salman Bal and representatives from the Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) under the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, reiterated the nation’s commitment to actualizing President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s outlined initiatives. Minister Nurzhigitov emphasized Kazakhstan’s dedication to establishing an international water energy consortium, meticulously considering the collective interests of all Central Asian countries in the region. This initiative reflects Kazakhstan’s proactive approach towards fostering cooperation and addressing regional water and energy dynamics in alignment with the broader objectives outlined by President Tokayev.

In the upcoming year of 2024, our focus will shift towards initiating the second phase of the Small Aral preservation project, a collaborative endeavor undertaken with the support of the World Bank. Our efforts will encompass strengthening cooperation within the water and energy domains among Central Asian nations, aligning our objectives with the principles espoused by the Blue Peace initiative. Additionally, we are committed to the development of new talent and enhancing the expertise of professionals within the water sector. Anticipating a closely coordinated and fruitful partnership, we aim for an effective collaboration, affirmed the Kazakh minister.