Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan: water problems discussed

On February 9, 2022 in Tashkent, the Minister of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan S.Brekeshev held a meeting with the Minister of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh. Khamrayev.

During the meeting, joint measures to improve the water management situation in the middle and lower reaches of the Syrdarya River were discussed.

As a result of the discussions, agreements were reached on taking joint measures to increase the inflow to the Shardara reservoir and stable water supply through the Dostyk interstate canal.

In addition, during the meeting, issues of signing an agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on joint management and use of transboundary water bodies were discussed. The parties confirmed their intentions to speed up the procedures for approving the draft Agreement.

The issues of establishing a bilateral commission on cooperation in the field of water relations at the level of the Prime Ministers of the two countries were also considered.

In addition, the parties held consultations on the creation of a water and energy consortium of Central Asia and participation in the construction of  hydroelectric power plants.(HyPP)