The Asia-Pacific Water Summit, the largest event of the Asia-Pacific Water Forum, began its work in Japan’s Kumamoto city.

According to the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade, the Asia-Pacific Water Forum was established in 2006 at the initiative of Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto to promote the sustainable management of water resources to achieve the Millennium Development Goals – 8 priority development goals. Among these priorities are improving the access of the population to clean and drinking water, improving water infrastructure, restoring river basins and reservoirs, and other areas.

The summit was attended by heads of state, as well as heads of government, relevant ministries, representatives of the private sector and international public organizations from 49 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Uzbekistan was represented by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade Sardor Umurzakov.

At the opening ceremony of the summit, which was held in a hybrid format, Japan’s Emperor Naruhito spoke about the country’s experience in promoting mechanisms for the efficient use of water resources and outlined national priorities for further promoting multilateral cooperation in this sphere.

Following the event, meetings of the heads of delegations of the countries participating in the summit, as well as other events included in its business program, were held.

The importance of the practical activities of the Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region was emphasized, referring to the implementation of projects to improve the economic situation in the region, improve the quality of life of the population and overcome the environmental consequences of the drying up of the Aral Sea.

UzA