Kazakhstan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development are looking to deepen cooperation on water infrastructure projects as the country pushes ahead with efforts to modernize its water management system.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, met with EBRD Vice President Mark Bowman during the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” (2018-2028), The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

The talks focused on ongoing joint projects aimed at developing and upgrading water management facilities across Kazakhstan, as well as exploring new opportunities for future cooperation in the sector.

Nurzhigitov praised the EBRD’s continued support for Kazakhstan’s efforts to improve water infrastructure, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in addressing growing water challenges and ensuring sustainable resource management.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration on sustainable water use and launching new joint initiatives designed to strengthen the country’s irrigation and water supply systems.

The meeting comes as Kazakhstan increases investment in infrastructure and climate-related projects. Earlier, the EBRD announced the organization of $548 million in financing for a major wind farm project in Kazakhstan that will include energy storage capabilities.