ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 25. Kazakhstan’s
Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation signed three memoranda
and one cooperation roadmap with foreign partners following the
Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, Trend reports via the ministry.
A memorandum of understanding was concluded with the Ministry of
Environment of the Slovak Republic, focusing on strengthening
bilateral cooperation across several key areas, including
modernization of water infrastructure, efficient use of water
resources, joint training of qualified personnel, and exchange of
expertise in monitoring hydraulic structures, as well as flood and
drought management.
Another memorandum was signed with the International Water
Management Institute, providing for implementation of joint
projects and exchange of experience, information, and best
practices in research, monitoring, and management of surface and
groundwater resources, including transboundary waters.
In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed with
Germany’s Independent Institute for Environmental Issues, aimed at
developing joint projects and conducting scientific research.
Moreover, a roadmap for international cooperation was signed
with French Hydroplus. The document provides for implementation of
pilot projects in Kazakhstan and measures to enhance the
qualifications of water sector specialists.
Overall, representatives of the ministry participated in 21
plenary sessions and roundtables during the summit, including
discussions on improving water efficiency in Central Asia amid
climate change and high-level consultations on establishing an
international water organization.
The summit also hosted a meeting of the Council of Heads of
State of the founding countries of the International Fund for
Saving the Aral Sea, chaired by Kazakhstan’s President
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. A number of key documents were adopted,
including a decision to declare March 26 as the International Day
of the Aral Sea, as well as the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers.
