FM Kazakbaev raises issue of climate change at Italy-Central Asia Conference in Tashkent

Bishkek, Dec. 9, 2021 . / Kabar / . Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Ruslan Kazakbaev took part in the Italy and Central Asia Second Ministerial Conference held in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent city on Wednesday, the press service of the Kyrgyz MFA said. The main topics of the meeting were current challenges and developments in the region, issues of new opportunities in Central Asia, regional security with a focus on developments in Afghanistan, international and regional economic cooperation, priority areas in the health sector, as well as prospects for the development of scientific cooperation between Central Asia and the Italian Republic. At the beginning of his speech, Kazakbaev proposed to organize joint events to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Central Asian countries and the Italian Republic. He also raised the issues of climate change: reduction of glaciers and water resources, uranium tailings of concern, preservation of mountain ecosystems and biodiversity. In this context, the hope was expressed to support Kyrgyz initiatives to declare 2022 as the "International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development" and to hold Bishkek+25 Global Mountain Summit in 2027.