On 16 January 2026, the 12th meeting of the Kazakhstan–China Commission on Cooperation in Environmental Protection was held, co-chaired by Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan M.T. Oshurbayev and Deputy Minister of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China Guo Fang.
In his opening remarks, M.T. Oshurbayev emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation in addressing shared environmental challenges, including air, water, and soil pollution, waste management, and the impacts of climate change. He noted that the Commission serves as a key mechanism for discussing environmental issues and implementing bilateral agreements, including the protection of transboundary water quality.
Activities of Working Groups and Joint Initiatives
During the meeting, the parties reviewed the reports of two working groups for 2025. Effective cooperation was noted in monitoring the water quality of transboundary rivers — Kara-Irtysh, Ili, Tekes, Khorgos, and Emil — as well as prompt information exchange, joint exercises, and expert seminars.
Special attention was given to Kazakhstan’s initiative to introduce Best Available Techniques (BAT). A presentation was delivered by B.B. Abenov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the Non-Profit Joint-Stock Company “International Center for Green Technologies and Investment Projects,” who outlined the results of BAT implementation and prospects for cooperation with China.
Position of the Chinese Side
Guo Fang reported on the advancement of ecological civilization in China, large-scale greening and ecosystem restoration programs, environmental protection measures, and emission reduction efforts. She confirmed China’s readiness to cooperate with Kazakhstan in biodiversity conservation, combating plastic pollution, and introducing green technologies, and invited Kazakhstan to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation events scheduled for April 2026.
In turn, M.T. Oshurbayev invited the Chinese side to take part in the Central Asia Regional Environmental Summit, to be held on 22–24 April 2026 in Astana.
Outcomes of the Meeting
The Commission’s Work Plan for 2026 was approved;
The Protocol of the 12th Commission meeting was signed;
Readiness for further constructive engagement and development of cooperation was confirmed;
It was agreed to hold the next Commission meeting in the People’s Republic of China by the end of 2026.
📌 Source: Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan
