In a move towards addressing climate change challenges in Central Asia, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, convened with a delegation from the United Kingdom, headed by Ambassador Kathy Leach, to discuss cooperative efforts aimed at bolstering the water industry in Kazakhstan, Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation reported.
Ambassador Leach unveiled an unprecedented initiative by the British government—the establishment of an international fund dedicated to tackling climate change issues specifically in Central Asia. Under this initiative, the United Kingdom commits to extending support to five countries in the region, aiding in their endeavors to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. The British government expressed its readiness to collaborate with the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, underscoring its commitment to regional environmental initiatives.
Highlighting the depth of bilateral ties, Ambassador Leach emphasized the UK's intention to engage with Kazakhstan not only on regional but also on bilateral fronts, fostering comprehensive collaboration.
In response, Minister Nurzhigitov delineated three key areas of bilateral cooperation. Firstly, he emphasized collaboration with the Research Institute for the Study of the Caspian Sea. Secondly, he underscored the importance of knowledge exchange and the attraction of British expertise in various technical domains. Lastly, he stressed the significance of postgraduate education for Kazakhstani students in technical fields and water diplomacy.
Ambassador Leach further disclosed the UK's commitment to facilitating educational opportunities for Kazakhstani scholars, proposing the inclusion of master's and doctoral programs under the renowned Bolashak educational initiative. Additionally, she suggested exploring the potential for joint double-degree programs to enhance academic collaboration between the two nations.
Moreover, the British delegation extended an offer to engage world-renowned experts in hydrogeology, irrigation, glacier studies, and related fields to contribute to Kazakhstan's development agenda.
The discussions also encompassed the introduction of advanced wastewater treatment technologies. Ambassador Leach revealed the keen interest of British companies in collaborating with Kazakhstan on this front, citing a successful water conservation project in Shymkent, resulting in a remarkable 25% reduction in water consumption.
Reflecting on the promising prospects of collaboration, Minister Nurzhigitov expressed optimism about the extensive experience of British experts aligning with Kazakhstan's current challenges. Stressing the significance of international cooperation, he expressed hopes for a fruitful and enduring partnership between the two nations.
“I see that there are a lot of areas in which we can establish close cooperation. The good news is that British experts have extensive experience in resolving issues that are relevant in Kazakhstan now. International cooperation is very important to us. I hope our interaction will be long-term and fruitful,” Minister Nurzhan Nurzhigitov voiced.
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