Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, engaged in discussions with Mr. Salman Bal, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Switzerland to Kazakhstan, and representatives from the Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) program under the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, TuraNews.kz reports.
Highlighting that Kazakhstan is set to chair the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea starting January 1, 2024, Nurzhigitov expressed the country’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Central Asian states, as well as other international organizations and financial institutions. The minister underscored Kazakhstan’s intention to bring to fruition initiatives outlined by the Head of State, particularly the establishment of an international water and energy consortium in the region, designed to consider the interests of all Central Asian nations.
The Ambassador conveyed that the first phase of the BPCA is nearing completion, prompting program representatives to visit Central Asian countries to identify areas for inclusion in the upcoming second phase. Simultaneously, an Uzbekistan-launched hydrogeological forecasting program involving Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan aims to monitor and measure water flows and consumption between Central Asian nations.
Representatives from Blue Peace Central Asia outlined the project’s multifaceted approach, encompassing the strengthening of regional water resource management institutions. This effort aligns with the objectives of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and the Central Asia Water and Energy Program (CAWEP), facilitated by the World Bank. The project also involves attracting experts, sharing experiences, modernizing and reconstructing transboundary hydraulic structures, and providing training through various courses and programs.
Minister Nurzhigitov expressed optimism about the close and productive collaboration with Blue Peace, particularly in addressing the water and energy sector challenges among Central Asian countries. He emphasized the mutual interest in fostering new talent and enhancing the skills of existing specialists within the water industry, looking forward to a fruitful partnership.
