Amid the historic decline in the Caspian Sea's water level, Kazakhstan has proposed a new regional initiative to Russia. According to Deputy Prime Minister Bolat Bekniyaz, Kazakhstan is suggesting the creation of a joint working group to manage the Volga River together.
It is known that about 80% of the Caspian Sea’s water comes from the Volga. However, unlike the Ural (Zhayyq) River, the Volga is not officially classified as a transboundary river, and therefore, no international agreements currently regulate its management.
Experts warn that if the water level continues to drop, this could pose a serious threat to water security not only in Kazakhstan and Russia but also throughout Central Asia. In particular, Kazakhstan’s Atyrau and Mangystau regions, Turkmenistan’s coastal infrastructure, and Uzbekistan’s indirect interests through the Amu Darya could be affected.
For reference, the Volga River flows into the Caspian Sea near the Russian city of Astrakhan.
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