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During the recent summit of the founding states of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) held in Kazakhstan, several landmark documents were signed to address regional environmental restoration. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, alongside other Central Asian leaders, solidified new legal frameworks for cooperation. These agreements signify a unified strategic direction for the Fund's activities in the coming years, focusing on sustainable water management.
One of the most notable outcomes of the high-level meeting was the official endorsement of March 26 as the "Day of the Aral Sea, the Amu Darya, and the Syr Darya." The establishment of this dedicated environmental date aims to raise global awareness about the preservation of Central Asia's vital water resources. It serves as a symbolic commitment to the collective responsibility of regional nations in mitigating the environmental impact of the Aral Sea’s recession.
In addition to the commemorative day, the leaders adopted the Astana Declaration, outlining a shared vision for the sustainable development of the Aral region. Key decisions were also finalized regarding the election of the new IFAS President and the review of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship. These organizational steps are designed to streamline the Fund’s operations and transition into a more action-oriented phase of regional partnership.
The newly established date highlights the importance of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, which remain the lifelines for millions in the region. This annual observance will provide a platform for environmental campaigns, scientific dialogues, and educational initiatives. By fostering a deeper understanding of the basin’s ecological needs, the initiative aims to accelerate practical efforts toward restoring the environmental balance of the entire Aral Sea region.
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President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has presented U.S. President Donald Trump with two traditional wooden ayvans featuring intricate Uzbek woodcarving craft. According to The New York Times, the structures have already arrived in Washington, D.C., and assembly has begun in West Potomac Park, where Trump plans to establish the "National Garden of American Heroes."
U.S. Department of the Interior spokesperson Cathy Martin stated that park visitors will be able to view the ayvans starting this autumn. Uzbekistan's Ambassador to the U.S. Furkat Sidikov shared on X (Twitter) that the gift serves as a symbol of friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations. The report also highlights other notable foreign gifts received by Trump, including a luxury aircraft from Qatar and a pair of cheetahs from Saudi Arabia.