Kazakhstan continues to give priority attention to the development of transit transport system in Central Asian states and neighboring developing countries. We think it is important to actively pursue the improvement of the existing and the development of new programs designed to raise the efficiency of the present transit system in Central Asia. Our land-locked country and the region as a whole should have secure multiple accesses to the world market. It is a matter of strengthening our sovereignty and independence. Mr. President, Environmental issues, particularly the management of transboundary water resources, environmental pollution and greenhouse effect, have long ago moved from a social and economic into a political plane and have acquired a truly global significance.
All countries face the problems of protecting the environment.
Yet, the effect on the environment experienced by the developing countries and the economies in transition is immeasurably much greater. Economic growth has increased the pressure on all natural resources of our planet. The problem of lack and depletion of natural resources creates serious economic problems and poverty. Economic development cannot stop, however, it should follow a different path. It should cease to destroy the environment so aggressively.