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.