The Fifth World Water Forum has opened in Istanbul, Turkey with a goal of finding ways to overcome gaps in water resources.

Around 20-thousand officials from governments, international agencies and nongovernmental organizations will take part in the forum which is held every three years.

Prime Minister Han Seung-soo, who is representing South Korea, said ahead of the opening of the gathering that Seoul will make all-out efforts to address the issue of water shortage.

The South’s delegation plans to express its wishes to host the seventh World Water Forum set to open in 2017.