Meeting Kazakhstan's President, Retno Marsudi Discusses Global Water Issues
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Water, Retno Marsudi, met with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana to discuss global water issues.
According to the Indonesian Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Fadjroel Rachman, Retno’s visit on 15 April was enthusiastically received by President Tokayev, who is scheduled to make a state visit to Jakarta this year to meet President Prabowo Subianto.
“Indonesia serves as the best standard for Kazakhstan in expanding, adhering to, and implementing commitments and international cooperation in the management and conservation of water for humanity now and in the future,” said Ambassador Fadjroel in a written statement on Saturday.
He referred to the success of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali in May 2024, attended by 160 countries and 2,000 delegates, including Kazakhstan’s Special Envoy for Water Zulfiya Sulaimenova and Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda.
“That World Water Forum elevated Mrs Retno Marsudi to the position of UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Water,” said Fadjroel.
Quoting the official website of the Kazakh Presidency, President Tokayev emphasised that water resources are a strategic asset for Kazakhstan, closely linked to sustainable growth, long-term regional stability, and security.
He underscored the need for a stronger international framework for cooperation in water governance.
In this regard, Tokayev recalled his initiative to establish an international water organisation under the auspices of the UN.
According to him, this step would provide new momentum for global efforts to ensure the rational use of water resources, strengthen international coordination, and promote sustainable solutions to water-related challenges.
President Tokayev and Retno Marsudi also emphasised the importance of the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi in December 2026, which is expected to serve as a key platform for developing coordinated approaches to water-related issues.
Special attention was also given to the rational use of water resources in Central Asia, according to the statement from the Kazakh Presidential Office.
In addition to meeting President Tokayev, Retno also held discussions with Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and Special Envoy for Water Zulfiya Sulaimenova.
“This visit greatly strengthens bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Indonesia, particularly on water issues and global climate change management,” said Ambassador Fadjroel.