A joint Berlin Declaration was adopted by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan today (8 March) at the international conference “Water Diplomacy for Central Asia”, which was chaired by Germany.

The following statement was issued today by a spokesperson for the Federal Foreign Office:

“Foreign Minister Westerwelle welcomes the adoption of the Berlin Declaration which sends an important political message concerning stronger regional cooperation in Central Asia.

The joint Water Initiative will help enhance confidence-building among the countries in the region. Cross-border cooperation in water management is a central pillar of regional stability.”

With the Water Initiative, Germany is helping to foster cooperation among Central Asian states in the sphere of joint and cross-border water management. The Berlin Declaration adopted today will help further develop and expand regional cooperation within the framework of the Water Initiative.

The aim of the Water Initiative is to improve the ecological, social and economic situation in Central Asia by promoting the sustainable use of the region’s scarce water resources. The participating countries also want to focus more on the challenges which climate change is expected to bring, thus contributing towards sustainable development, regional stability and security. A partner conference in 2013 will then take stock of activities.

The Water Initiative is an important contribution by Germany towards the EU Strategy for a New Partnership with Central Asia.