Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The meeting featured presentations by Shavkat Khamraev, Minister of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan; D. Gendjiyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Water Resources of Turkmenistan; N. Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and D. Abdurazzokzoda, Head of the Main Department of the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Remarks were also delivered by O. Kholkhojaev, Head of the Syr Darya Basin Water Management Association, and A. Madmarov, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Turkmenistan.

Participants noted that the atmosphere of mutual trust, good-neighborliness, and constructive dialogue established in Central Asia in recent years has elevated regional cooperation in the water sector to a new level. They emphasized that the political will and regular dialogue among the heads of state have contributed to the development of effective regional mechanisms for managing transboundary water resources, strengthening water and energy cooperation, and implementing joint projects.

It was also acknowledged that the extensive experience of Central Asian countries in jointly managing water resources provides a solid foundation for ensuring sustainable water supplies and addressing existing challenges through mutual agreement.

Discussions focused on the rational use of water resources, the widespread introduction of water-saving technologies, and the digitalization of water accounting and monitoring systems in response to population growth and increasing economic demand for water in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins.

Particular attention was paid to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on water resources, reducing the risks of droughts and floods, and ensuring the environmental sustainability of the Aral Sea region.

Recognizing the close interconnection between water, energy, and food security, participants emphasized the importance of developing mutually beneficial solutions through joint efforts.

In this context, proposals were put forward to expand the use of modern technologies, digitalize water metering systems, improve information exchange, and develop joint regional projects.

One of the key topics of the meeting was the need to strengthen the activities of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) ahead of Uzbekistan's assumption of its chairmanship in January 2027.

In particular, the joint management of water resources in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins, efficient water use amid economic and demographic growth, adaptation to climate change, and the expansion of regional cooperation and international support mechanisms were identified as key priorities for the Fund.

The proposals and initiatives presented during the discussions received support, and participants emphasized the importance of their consistent implementation through regional and international cooperation mechanisms.

Press Service of the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan