President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov suggested intensifying efforts to improve the legal framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) during a meeting of the Council of Heads of State-founders of the International Aral Fund in Dushanbe. The head of state declared that Turkmenistan will continue to advocate the implementation of the founding countries’ initiatives of IFAS, which are intended to increase regional collaboration and establish systematic mechanisms for environmental protection and sustainable development in Central Asia.
Mr. Berdimuhamedov proposed to “intensify work to improve the legal framework of the Fund and determine the goals and objectives of further work,” taking into account the interests of all states involved. He also believes that resolving the Aral Sea issue, as part of the regional environmental agenda, necessitates deepening international partnerships, advancing constructive initiatives, and actively involving specialized UN structures. Additionally, the President of Turkmenistan suggested creating opportunities for more dynamic interaction between the Fund and international financial institutions and donors to implement projects and programs related to the challenges in the Aral Sea basin.
The head of state concluded his speech with the conviction that the Aral Sea problem, as well as the entire ecology of Central Asia, should be given due attention in the international environmental agenda. He believes that collective efforts should be geared towards protecting the rights and legitimate interests of millions of people, as well as solving economic and social problems for years to come.