Turkmenistan has expressed its readiness to actively participate in international efforts to study and resolve environmental problems in the Caspian Sea. This was stated by Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Belgium Sapar Palvanov during his speech at the European Institute for Asian Studies.
According to a press release from the Turkmen diplomatic mission, an event dedicated to the current climate challenges facing the Caspian Sea was recently held at the European Institute for Asian Studies. Representatives of diplomatic missions, international organizations, media and think tanks took part in the discussion.
Speakers included Ambassador of Turkmenistan Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan Vagif Sadygov, Director General of the European Institute for Asian Studies Axel Goethals, Head of UNDP Office in Brussels Camilla Bruckner and Head of the EU Directorate for Central Asia Sarah Rinaldi.
The main topic of the event was environmental and climate challenges, with the decline in water levels and the impact of climate change on the Caspian Sea being particularly discussed. Participants noted the importance of strengthening coordination between countries and international organizations to develop effective and scientifically based solutions to reduce the negative impacts of these processes.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan emphasized his country's readiness to actively participate in international efforts aimed at studying and solving environmental problems of the Caspian Sea. He presented an initiative to create a special working group to study the climatic and environmental aspects of the Caspian Sea, which is currently under consideration by the Caspian states.
In addition, it was proposed to consider the possibility of involving the UN Centre for Preventive Diplomacy, based in Ashgabat, which has significant experience in resolving regional issues. Participants noted that its involvement could help address climate challenges related to the Caspian Sea.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan also reminded the proposal to establish a regional environmental and technological center for Central Asian countries in Turkmenistan. This center could become an important platform for scientific analysis of climate change and its impact on the Caspian Sea ecosystem, as well as for developing joint measures to preserve the region's natural resources.