Dushanbe hosted the 7th meeting of the joint working group between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on August 3, focusing on the integrated use of water resources from transboundary rivers in Central Asia. This meeting, facilitated by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, centered on the potential use of Lake Sarez’s water resources to provide clean drinking water to the countries in the region.
During the discussions, both sides explored new joint cross-border projects in the field of water management, emphasizing the importance of implementing these initiatives. The issue of utilizing water from Lake Sarez for drinking purposes had previously been highlighted in 2018. During a state visit to Uzbekistan by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, he and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev agreed to task the intergovernmental joint commission on trade and economic cooperation with studying the feasibility of this proposal.
President Emomali Rahmon has consistently emphasized Tajikistan’s notable fresh water resources at international forums. He has proposed using Lake Sarez to provide long-term drinking water solutions for Central Asian countries.
Moreover, the Tajik government has also put forward the idea of exporting drinking water from Sarez to other Asian nations, including Iran, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. This initiative reflects Tajikistan’s proactive approach to addressing water scarcity issues in the broader region and underscores the potential of Lake Sarez as a vital resource for sustainable water supply.
As discussions between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan continue, the focus remains on finding effective and sustainable solutions for the integrated use of transboundary water resources, ensuring that the region’s water needs are met through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships.
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