President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in a regular meeting of the Council of Heads of Founder States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) in Astana on April 22. The meeting summarized Kazakhstan's chairmanship of IFAS for 2023–2026 and discussed pressing issues related to improving the ecological situation, water resource management, and socio-economic conditions in the Aral Sea basin.

In his address, the Uzbek leader noted that IFAS operates as a unique regional structure, and its role is increasing amid growing water scarcity in Central Asia, driven by climate change and rising water consumption. Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated, "According to expert estimates, by 2040, the water resource deficit in the Aral Sea basin could nearly double – to 20 billion cubic meters per year. This creates additional risks for drinking water supply, ecology, the agricultural sector, energy, and social stability."

The meeting also featured speeches by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Following the event, the heads of state signed the Astana Declaration, decisions on the outcomes of Kazakhstan's chairmanship, on declaring March 26 as the International Day of the Aral Sea, Amu Darya, and Syr Darya rivers, and on electing the President of Uzbekistan as President of IFAS for 2027–2029. This marks Uzbekistan's assumption of leadership in the fund for the next three years, highlighting its enhanced role in addressing regional water and environmental crises in Central Asia.

Source: kun.uz