Meeting on International Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of the Aral Sea Region

Kyzylorda, 7 September 2026

As part of the visit to the Kazakh part of the Aral Sea region, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) Askhat Orazbay, together with Ambassador of the French Republic to the Republic of Kazakhstan Sylvain Guiaugué, Head of the French Development Agency (AFD) Office in Kazakhstan Gulnoza Callens, and UNICEF Representative in Kazakhstan Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, held a meeting with Akim of Kyzylorda Region Murat Yergesbayev.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the implementation of joint projects aimed at the sustainable development of the Aral Sea region, the rational use of water resources, and support for local communities. Particular attention was paid to the project on the Adjustment of Hydromodule Zoning of the Syrdarya River Basin and the Water and Education initiative, implemented with financial support from AFD.

The participants also highlighted the importance of the decisions of the IFAS Summit held in Astana in April 2026 and reaffirmed their readiness to further strengthen international cooperation in the interests of the sustainable development of the Aral Sea region.