Continuing a series of working meetings in Ashgabat, Barbara Janusz-Pawletta, Head of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Representation in Central Asia, and Alexandr Nikolayenko, Head of the “Blue Peace Central Asia” project, visited the Project Office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan, where they took part in a working meeting with Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan.
During the meeting, current issues of cooperation were discussed, and potential areas for further collaboration were identified. The participants emphasized the importance of coordination of efforts and the continuation of joint work.
CAREC and IWMI are already strategic partners and are currently jointly implementing the “Blue Peace Central Asia” project within a consortium, combining efforts to promote regional dialogue and practical cooperation in the field of water resources.
It was also noted that on the sidelines of the upcoming Regional Environmental Summit, to be held in April 2026 in Astana, the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between CAREC and IWMI is planned. This document is expected to become an important step toward further strengthening long-term partnerships and developing new formats of joint work in the region.
“We are interested in the consistent development of cooperation and are ready to support further joint initiatives aimed at strengthening regional interaction,” noted Mergen Kepbanov.
The meeting concluded in a warm and constructive atmosphere, confirming the mutual interest of the parties in continuing cooperation and advancing joint initiatives aimed at a sustainable water future for Central Asia.
Additional information:
Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, turkmenistan@carececo.org