On the instructions of the Head of State, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with the heads of delegations of the participating countries of the first meeting of the Board of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, held under the chairmanship of the Republic of Kazakhstan, El.kz cites primeminister.kz.
During the meeting the issues of joint use of transboundary water resources were considered, as well as measures on further solution of environmental and socio-economic problems in the Aral Sea basin.
Kazakhstan is the chairman of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea from 2024 to 2026.
"Today the Heads of our States pay special attention to the water sphere. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has indicated that saving the Aral Sea should become a priority of long-term international cooperation. The primary task of the Fund is the integrated and rational use and protection of water and energy resources of Central Asia, taking into account their socio-economic, energy, irrigation and environmental significance. I hope that by joint efforts we will be able to qualitatively improve the state of this unique water body, which is important for all our countries," Olzhas Bektenov said.
Despite the measures taken, taking into account the growing, including in connection with climate change, deficit of water resources in the Aral Sea basin, IFAS faces the task of strengthening the consolidation of interested states.
Head of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov emphasised the important role of the Institute of Regional Cooperation and outlined the priority tasks of the Fund set by the Heads of State of IFAS member states for the period of Kazakhstan's chairmanship.
The need for further elaboration of a comprehensive and mutually beneficial mechanism of water and energy cooperation in Central Asia, taking into account the interests of all parties, was noted. In particular, introduction of the latest digital technologies, use of satellite data of remote sensing of the earth, which will strengthen cooperation and ensure saving of significant volumes of water resources.
In addition, in order to improve the efficiency of energy and irrigation regulation, work will be intensified on the development and implementation by the countries of the region of a unified automated system for accounting, monitoring, management and distribution of water resources in the Aral Sea basin. These measures are aimed at achieving a balance in meeting the needs of the countries and preventing shortages of electricity in autumn and winter and irrigation water in summer.
Also among the priority tasks is to complete the process of improving the organisational structure and contractual-legal base of IFAS. At present, the working group of experts is working on this issue.
Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan Ziyozoda Sulaimon, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Tangryguli Atakhallyev, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan Shukhrat Ganiyev made proposals during the meeting.
At the end of the discussion Olzhas Bektenov expressed his gratitude to the heads of delegations for their contribution to the common cause to improve the ecosystem of the region and stressed the interest of the Government of Kazakhstan in constructive dialogue for the implementation of joint plans.