Kazakhstan and the Netherlands: water cooperation on the agenda of the visit of Kazakhstan’s vice minister

The Hague, March 13, 2025 – The traditionally friendly relations between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands have significantly expanded in recent years, encompassing new areas of cooperation. This was evidenced by the outcomes of negotiations held in Amsterdam between Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Aslan Abdraimov, and the Netherlands’ Special Envoy for Water, Meike van Ginneken. During the meeting, the parties outlined the next steps to strengthen government-level cooperation on water issues.

The discussions focused on key topics such as efficient water resource management, sustainable water supply, flood forecasting technologies, scientific research, and personnel training. Special attention will be given to establishing a permanent cooperation mechanism to develop a roadmap for implementing specific projects.

Notably, the high-level dialogue took place on the sidelines of Aquatech Amsterdam 2025, a major international exhibition. Participants expressed great interest in the opportunities for applying advanced water management technologies in Kazakhstan. During meetings with the exhibition organizers and visits to the booths of several leading companies, the Kazakhstani delegation emphasized the importance of international and regional cooperation in ensuring water security and implementing innovative solutions to adapt to climate change.

As part of his working visit, A.Abdraimov participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives of Dutch businesses. The discussions covered investment prospects in Kazakhstan, digitalization of the water sector, and transboundary water cooperation. The Kazakhstani delegation also visited the Delft Institute for Water Education, the Deltares Research Center, as well as globally renowned companies Royal Haskoning DHV and Witteveen+Bos. They explored cutting-edge technologies for flood protection, water flow management, and wastewater treatment.

Additionally, A.Abdraimov was invited as an international guest to the 9th National Iftar in The Hague. In his address, he presented Kazakhstan’s initiatives on fostering dialogue among leaders of world and traditional religions, as well as the country’s efforts in food security. These themes aligned closely with the focus of this important event, held during the sacred month of Ramadan. Attending the speech were representatives of the Dutch government, religious communities, diplomatic corps, public organizations, and leading media outlets.

The visit of the Kazakh delegation reaffirmed the strong commitment of both official and business circles in the Netherlands to developing cooperation with Kazakhstan in the water sector. The agreements reached are expected to lay the foundation for joint projects aimed at the rational use of water resources, improving water supply, and advancing innovative approaches to water sector management.