Kazakhstan Strengthens Regional Water Cooperation Ahead of IFAS Summit in Astana

Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov on Monday held a meeting with members of the Board of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), as the country nears the completion of its chairmanship this year, focusing on advancing regional cooperation in water management and preparations for an upcoming high-level summit.

The meeting reviewed efforts to enhance the Fund’s operational capacity and discussed preparations for the Council of Heads of State – Founders of IFAS, scheduled to take place on April 22 in Astana.

In his remarks, Bektenov emphasized that the preservation of the Aral Sea and the sustainable management of transboundary water resources remain key national priorities. He noted that these goals were reaffirmed by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the 5th Ulttyq Qurultay, underscoring Kazakhstan’s commitment to regional environmental stability.

The meeting highlighted IFAS’s continued role as a vital platform for cooperation among Central Asian countries, addressing water, environmental, and socio-economic challenges for more than three decades.

Bektenov called for the phased introduction of an automated system for accounting, monitoring, and distribution of water resources in the basins of the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers. He noted that digitalization would enhance transparency and efficiency in water usage across the region.

As part of its broader reform agenda, Kazakhstan is also pursuing the establishment of a Central Asia Framework Convention on Water Use. The proposed agreement aims to promote rational consumption of water resources, prevent transboundary pollution, and strengthen the exchange of hydrological data among regional states.

The prime minister recalled that President Tokayev had earlier proposed the creation of an International Water Organization under the United Nations to address global water challenges, mobilize resources, and support the implementation of regional initiatives.

Discussions during the meeting also focused on improving IFAS’s organizational structure and legal framework to boost institutional efficiency, enhance coordination, and ensure the effective implementation of decisions.

Participants stressed the importance of reaching consensus on key issues ahead of the upcoming IFAS summit, with a shared commitment to strengthening water diplomacy and fostering constructive dialogue.

The meeting was attended by senior representatives from Central Asian countries, including Tajik Deputy Prime Minister Sulaimon Ziyozoda, Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Tangryguly Atahallyyev, and Uzbek President’s advisor Shukhrat Ganiev, along with other key officials and IFAS representatives.

The participants reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation aimed at ensuring sustainable water resource management and improving the environmental conditions in the Aral Sea basin.