Astana: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan met with Dr. Abdulla Ahmed Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and Director General of the UAE National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), to discuss strengthening cooperation in climate monitoring, early warning systems, and the ongoing UAE-Kazakhstan cloud seeding project in the Turkistan region.
According to Emirates News Agency, President Tokayev highlighted the essential role of the World Meteorological Organisation in fostering international cooperation in climate, weather, water resources, and disaster risk reduction. He stressed the urgency of enhanced international coordination and the development of scientific and technological solutions to address environmental and water-related challenges, driven by the accelerating pace of climate change.
The discussions underscored several climate-related strategic priorities for Kazakhstan, including the development of early warning systems, modernization of meteorological observation networks, and enhancement of scientific and climate data exchange with global institutions and organisations.
President Tokayev expressed Kazakhstan's commitment to deepening cooperation with the UAE National Centre of Meteorology, benefiting from the UAE's expertise in meteorology, cloud seeding, and climate artificial intelligence applications. Both parties emphasized the necessity of addressing water security and management issues on both regional and global fronts, particularly in light of increasing water scarcity, drought, and rising temperatures.
The UAE-Kazakhstan cloud seeding project, currently implemented in the Turkistan region, was a focal point of the meeting. The project aims to enhance rainfall, increase water reserves, and support agricultural water supplies, aligning with Kazakhstan's strategy of adopting innovative climate solutions to tackle water security challenges. President Tokayev described the project as a strategic step in strengthening water security and praised the collaboration with the UAE for its expertise in cloud seeding and weather modification technologies.
Dr. Abdulla Ahmed Al Mandous emphasized that the cloud seeding project exemplifies international cooperation in addressing climate challenges and bolstering water security. He noted the UAE's globally recognized expertise in cloud seeding and weather modification, developed through extensive scientific research and operational experience.
The project also includes training and qualification programs for Kazakh personnel in cloud seeding technologies. The UAE's cloud seeding operations team, alongside a specialized aircraft, has arrived in the Turkistan region to conduct operations aimed at enhancing rainfall and supporting local water resources. Preparations included a reconnaissance flight to ensure the aircraft and technical systems' readiness.
A high-level meeting with government representatives and the specialized team established coordination mechanisms for the project's technical and organizational aspects, ensuring efficiency and operational readiness. The UAE team presented its pioneering cloud seeding experience and advanced technologies, highlighting the importance of scientific knowledge exchange to sustain water resources and enhance regional water security.
The project aligns with directives from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aimed at reinforcing the UAE's role as an active international partner in global climate support.
