An international meeting, devoted to ecological and economic development of the Aral Sea region, has been held in Vienna, Austria, Jahon news agency reports.

The meeting was organized by the International Contacts, an Austrian forum named after Bruno Krayski, in cooperation with Ecosan foundation and the Uzbek embassy in Vienna. It was attended by the representatives of ministries and departments of Austria, academic and business circles, diplomatic corps, specialist engaged in the issues of environment protection, mass media.

The aim of the meeting was to attract attention of the European community to the issues of Aral Sea, strengthening mutual collaboration in realization of projects focused on economic development and ecological improvement in the region.

Eminent Austrian ecologist, scientist, professor Hans Peter Nachtebel noted the high importance of the Vienna meeting and the necessity of rational use of water resources and enabling all available capacities for the Aral Sea rescue.

"The mutual coordination of neighbouring countries in deed of effective use of available water resources will play great role in this action", the scientist said. "Today 14 European countries are using waters of Danube. I hope this experience would be useful for the Central Asian states as well".

Representatives of Ecosan demonstrated projects and programs directed on preservation of existing water resources and economic development of the region. During the meeting the sides agreed to enhance thoroughly the cooperation in this direction.