Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in a forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, the Akorda press service reported.
The President emphasized that Turkmenistan’s positive neutrality fits naturally into the centuries-old cultural traditions and spiritual values of the Turkmen people.
The Head of State noted the special importance of Ashgabat’s initiative to proclaim the International Year of Peace and Trust, which was supported by the UN General Assembly.
Kazakhstan joined this resolution, since peace and trust are the fundamental basis of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy strategy.
According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, ensuring water security also requires special attention.
“In our view, through joint efforts based on mutual compromises, it would be possible to enhance the effectiveness of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. This would be facilitated by inviting Russia to become a participant in the Fund as an observer. As for the Caspian, given the current pace of shallowing, this dangerous process may become irreversible, which will inevitably trigger a chain reaction of environmental, socio-economic, and even political consequences. We call on the entire international community to support our efforts to preserve this unique body of water,” the President said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes that the development of global water diplomacy requires close interstate coordination. He is convinced that the UN system lacks a specialized structure focused exclusively on water issues. Therefore, Kazakhstan proposes establishing an International Water Organization that could consolidate all existing mandates of various UN bodies. An optimal option could be transforming the interagency mechanism UN-Water into a full-fledged specialized UN agency or organization.
In conclusion, the President expressed confidence that the Ashgabat forum will help strengthen constructive partnership among interested states and give strong momentum to international efforts aimed at building a just world order based on mutual trust.
Source: Informburo.kz
