At the recent National Kurultai, the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, emphasized the significance of issues related to water and environmental security. He noted that these aspects play a key role in the stability and sustainability of Central Asia. The importance of water diplomacy as a tool for interaction among the countries of the region was also highlighted, as all states are already participating in agreements on the joint use of transboundary water resources.
In his speech, Tokayev called for achieving consensus among neighbors on issues concerning major water bodies such as the Aral Sea, the Caspian Sea, Lake Balkhash, and the Irtysh River. He also highlighted Kazakhstan's active role in initiating international environmental initiatives, including the proposal to create an International Water Organization.
Furthermore, the holding of an International Environmental Summit in Astana in April was announced, where discussions on the problems of the Aral Sea at the level of heads of state are planned. This step emphasizes that water issues go beyond national interests and become a shared responsibility for the entire region.
Doctor of Political Science and Professor Zholbors Zhorobekov, commenting on the president's speech, noted its significance for Central Asia as a whole. According to him, Tokayev is one of the most prepared and intellectually developed figures not only in the region but also in the broader Eurasian context, as evidenced by the depth of the issues he raises.
The expert pointed out that water resources, the sources of which are located in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, also affect Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Thus, the problem of water scarcity requires a joint solution and cannot be viewed in isolation.
Zhorobekov emphasized that the lack of coordinated efforts could lead to a deterioration of the ecological and socio-economic situation in the region. He supported the idea of a more rational approach to water use, including changes in the structure of agriculture, reducing areas under water-intensive crops, and implementing modern methods such as drip irrigation.
The Aral Sea also deserves special attention, he noted, emphasizing that even small successes in its restoration demonstrate the possibility of positive changes with political will and joint actions by the countries.
In conclusion, Zhorobekov expressed the opinion that Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's speech reflects the awareness of the interdependence of Central Asian countries and the need to move from fragmented solutions to a systemic regional dialogue, which is critically important for the sustainable development of the region in the long term.
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