Water diplomacy is moving to a new level. Kazakhstan and Mongolia discussed cooperation on water conservation, drinking water, drought and flood prevention, while also bringing the issue into the international agenda, DKNews.kz reports.
The matter was discussed during a meeting between Almas Seitakynov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Mongolia, and Zeneeemyadaryn Batbayar, Director of Mongolia’s Water Agency.
Kazakhstan and Mongolia Discuss Droughts, Floods and Drinking Water
The sides reviewed prospects for cooperation in water resources management and the introduction of water-saving technologies.
A separate part of the talks focused on monitoring and protecting water resources, ensuring access to quality drinking water, and preventing droughts and floods.
The agenda also included efforts to address the consequences of climate change, an issue directly linked to the resilience of both countries’ water systems.
Tokayev’s Water Initiative Presented to the Mongolian Side
Almas Seitakynov briefed his counterpart on President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations.
The proposed body is intended to strengthen international coordination in the water sector, promote the rational use of water resources, and support the development of sustainable solutions to global and regional water challenges.
For Kazakhstan, this continues a broader effort to move water issues beyond domestic infrastructure policy and into a separate track of international diplomacy.
Mongolia Invited to Kazakhstan’s COP17 Side Event
The meeting took place ahead of the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification — UNCCD COP17, which will be held in Ulaanbaatar from August 17 to 28, 2026.
Seitakynov invited Zeneeemyadaryn Batbayar to take part in a thematic side event organized by Kazakhstan during the conference.
This will give Kazakhstan an additional international platform to present its water agenda at a forum where drought, land degradation, water security, and climate risks are expected to be central issues.
Water Agencies and Researchers to Strengthen Direct Contacts
Kazakhstan and Mongolia also emphasized the importance of stronger cooperation between relevant government agencies and research institutions in the two countries.
Following the meeting, the sides agreed to maintain working contacts and further develop bilateral cooperation in the water sector.
The next major international platform for this agenda will be UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, where Kazakhstan will hold its thematic side event.
