Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for international cooperation to protect the Caspian Sea and establish a consolidated pool of the most promising projects aimed at its preservation.

Speaking at the Caspian Environmental Summit, Tokayev said the proposed initiatives should address both the sea itself and the river basins that supply it with water, The Caspian Post reports, citing Qazinform.

He highlighted the need to restore water flows, river deltas and wetlands, as well as modernize hydraulic infrastructure.

The Kazakh president noted that grants, concessional loans and other climate financing instruments could be used to support these efforts.

Tokayev also emphasized the importance of completing the establishment of a permanent Secretariat of the Tehran Convention, describing it as an essential mechanism for ensuring continuity, coordination and oversight of the agreements reached.

He reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to advancing the creation of an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations. The proposed body would aim to improve global water governance while giving priority to the environmental condition of the Caspian Sea.

Tokayev stressed that water security should hold a prominent place on the international agenda, alongside food, energy and climate security.

He expressed confidence that the Caspian states and their partners have the necessary political dialogue, legal framework, scientific expertise and institutions to preserve the sea for future generations.