Emperor Naruhito met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Thursday, discussing water issues. The emperor expressed sympathy for the floods that struck Kazakhstan last year and voiced concern over water shortages due to the declining level of the Caspian Sea. Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan is seeking a comprehensive approach from the United Nations to address water problems.
On December 18, Emperor Naruhito held a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The 20-minute meeting was followed by an hourlong luncheon, which was also attended by Crown Prince Akishino, the emperor's younger brother.
Water issues, a subject central to the emperor's lifelong studies, were discussed during both sessions. The emperor expressed sympathy for the damage caused by last year's floods in the Central Asian nation and showed concern about water shortages linked to the declining water level of the Caspian Sea, which borders Kazakhstan.
Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan is asking the United Nations for a comprehensive approach to help resolve water issues. In response, Emperor Naruhito said, "I think that many people need to work on the problems hand in hand."
The meeting underscores the strengthening of Japan-Kazakhstan relations and highlights the importance of international cooperation on water resource management. According to the Imperial Household Agency, the encounter took place in a friendly atmosphere.