DUSHANBE, 16.09.2023 (NIAT Khovar) – The decisions taken by the heads of state of Central Asia and the tasks set will serve as an impetus for the development of the fund’s activities, solving existing water, energy and environmental problems, said the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea at a briefing following the meeting of the Council of Heads of State-founders of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea Aral Sulton Rahimzoda.

As a result of the meeting, four important documents were signed, including the Dushanbe Statement by the heads of the State-founders. The heads of state noted the key role of water resources for the sustainable development of Central Asia and emphasized the extreme importance of water cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, peace, stability and prosperity of the region.

“The leaders of the Central Asian countries once again emphasized the key importance of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea as a unique regional institution for ensuring mutually beneficial cooperation between the countries of Central Asia for the purposes of the environmental, socio-economic, water, and energy situation in the Aral Sea basin. The heads of state paid special attention to the importance of developing a comprehensive and mutually beneficial mechanism for water and energy cooperation in ensuring water, energy and food security in Central Asia,” noted Rahimzoda.

The parties advocated the development and implementation of joint projects and programs with the attraction of external investments.

Rahimzoda noted that the chairmanship of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea will pass to Kazakhstan from January 1, 2024.