Bishkek, April 23, 2026 /Kabar/. On April 22, at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov participated in a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), held in Astana, the presidential administration reported.
The event was also attended by Presidents of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.
In his speech, Sadyr Zhaparov emphasized that the region's environmental security directly depends on the effectiveness of international cooperation, particularly in the area of water resources. He drew attention to ongoing changes in the water management system and emphasized the urgency of reforming the IFAS.
"The Central Asian region is experiencing significant changes in its water management system. In this context, Kyrgyzstan's position on reforming the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea is particularly relevant. Along with the Aral Sea problem, Kyrgyzstan is also facing the problem of the shallowing of Issyk-Kul Lake. Over the past decades, the water level has dropped by almost 14 meters, and the number of rivers flowing into it has decreased more than threefold, indicating a reduction in the volume of annual water flow," the head of state noted.
Sadyr Zhaparov emphasized that Kyrgyzstan consistently fulfills its water allocation obligations, ensuring the safety of hydraulic infrastructure and investing significant resources in preserving aquatic ecosystems.
In this regard, President Zhaparov noted the need to introduce fair compensation mechanisms for upstream countries, which bear the brunt of maintaining water infrastructure and preserving water sources.
"The annual volume of water resources in Kyrgyzstan is approximately 50 cubic kilometers.
While Kyrgyzstan does not receive water from other countries, our country uses only about 12 cubic kilometers of this volume for its own needs. The remaining significant portion, 38 cubic kilometers, is sent to neighboring states," said Sadyr Zhaparov.
The speech focused on climate change and glacier melting in the Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains. The head of state emphasized that glacier protection should be a priority for the Fund, as the entire region's water supply depends on their preservation.
The president also advocated for expanding the IFAS mandate, taking into account the interrelationship between water and energy issues, as well as for improving financing mechanisms and introducing modern instruments of international cooperation.
In conclusion, the head of state confirmed the Kyrgyz Republic's readiness for further constructive engagement with all of the Fund's founding states.
In closing his speech, President Sadyr Zhaparov expressed confidence that through joint efforts, it would be possible to develop effective and long-term solutions aimed at preserving water resources, protecting ecosystems, and improving the quality of life of the people of Central Asia.
It should be noted that the Kyrgyz Republic suspended its participation in IFAS activities in 2016.