'Its establishment may fundamentally change the order and balance of water use in Central Asia' - President of Uzbekistan on construction of Koshtepa Canal

On September 15, during a meeting of the Council of the Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his concerns regarding the construction of the Koshtepa Canal.

He pointed out that a new participant, Afghanistan, had become actively involved in the canal's construction, despite not being connected to the region's countries through any obligation. 

"You know very well that the Afghan side is actively working on the construction of the canal. Its launch can fundamentally change the order and balance of water use in Central Asia,"

the president said. President Mirziyoyev emphasized the potential transformative impact of the canal's completion on the current water utilization balance in Central Asia.

To address this issue comprehensively, the head of state proposed the establishment of a joint working group. This group's primary task would be to conduct a thorough assessment of all aspects related to the construction of the Koshtepa Canal and its potential consequences for the use of water from the Amudarya River. The President further suggested the inclusion of research institutes from the countries involved in the study to ensure a comprehensive analysis.

In addition to these measures, President Mirziyoyev recommended considering the involvement of Afghan representatives in the regional dialogue focused on the cooperative management of water resources. This proposal reflects Uzbekistan's commitment to fostering collaboration, transparency, and inclusive discussions among neighboring countries and stakeholders to address water-related challenges in Central Asia.

The President's initiative underscores the significance of a coordinated approach to water resource management in the region and reflects Uzbekistan's dedication to engaging all relevant parties in meaningful dialogue.

Earlier Daryo reported that the delegation, led by Special Representative Ismatulla Irgashev, was actively engaging in talks with various Afghan officials and stakeholders, addressing a spectrum of collaborative agendas on August 28 in Kabul.

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