Technological and methodological assistance from the European Union can have a positive impact on solving water problems in Central Asia. This was stated by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, speaking at the Samarkand Climate Forum, TDH reports.

“Speaking about pressing issues, I would especially highlight the water problem. It is of fundamental importance for our region, and here the technological and methodological assistance of the European Union can have a positive impact on solving the existing difficulties. Turkmenistan’s position on water policy issues in the region is known. They should be resolved on the basis of three key principles: compliance with international law; mutual consideration of interests; involvement of international organizations, and first of all the UN,” the head of state said.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov added that in order to preserve and strengthen good-neighborliness, development and cooperation in Central Asia, and establish a mechanism for water use from transboundary rivers in the region, Turkmenistan proposed that the UN General Assembly consider the initiative to establish a UN Regional Council on water issues in Central Asian countries.

“One of the key issues of environmental, socio-economic and humanitarian well-being in the region is saving the Aral Sea. Turkmenistan expects a more specific and targeted international discussion of this problem, including the development of measures to support the activities of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea based on the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly. We propose to work together persistently to achieve the full implementation of these documents,” the President of Turkmenistan noted.

The first Central Asia-EU summit was held in Samarkand on Friday. An international climate forum also opened there. The opening ceremony was attended by the heads of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.