DUSHANBE, November 13, 2015, Asia-Plus -- A roundtable entitled “Advancing Regional Dialogue on the efficient application of International Law in the management of Water Resources as a Factor for Strengthening Cooperation and Stability in Central Asia” was organized on November 11-12, 2015 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, by the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) with support of the US Government.

According to UNRCCA, the two-day event was attended by specialists of relevant ministries and agencies of Central Asian states, branches of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), representatives of UN entities, regional organizations and international experts.

Participants reportedly held an in-depth discussion on the evolution of the architecture of the international water law, its main norms and principles and their application in the context of the Aral Sea Basin.  They also discussed the implementation of relevant regional and national programs and ways for strengthening trust and cooperation in the management of trans-boundary water resources in Central Asia with due consideration of interests of all states.

The United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia was inaugurated in December 2007 to help the region’s countries respond more proactively to cross-border challenges and threats before they can become costlier and more difficult to control.

The Center is tasked with assisting the governments of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in building capacities to peacefully prevent conflict, in facilitating dialogue, and in catalyzing international support behind projects and initiatives.