Uzbekistan is said to supply Kazakhstan with 16bn cubic meters of water by October 1, 2025—an increase of 1bn cubic meters compared to the previous water management year (October 2023–October 2024). This decision was announced by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation following the 12th meeting of the Joint Working Group on Deepening Bilateral Water Cooperation.
In addition to increasing water transfers, Uzbekistan has committed to ensuring a stable supply of water through the Dostyk Canal during the 2025 irrigation season. This measure aims to mitigate the risk of water shortages in Kazakhstan’s agricultural regions.
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Water Resources, Shavkat Khamrayev, also reached an agreement to jointly repair key interstate canals. The initiative will improve water supply to farmers in Kazakhstan’s Turkestan region and Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region.
The two countries also discussed automating water metering on the Syr Darya River. Under the agreement, 10 monitoring points—five in each country—will be established to track water flow. Technical specifications for a feasibility study have been finalized, and a meeting with international organizations is scheduled for February 2025 to further develop the project.
"We have identified the first 10 points for installing monitoring systems and agreed on technical specifications for the feasibility study. In February, we will hold discussions with international partners to outline further steps," Minister Nurzhigitov stated.
In September 2024, a joint working group on environmental protection and water quality for the Syr Darya River basin visited Uzbekistan. The delegation examined water quality monitoring systems and wastewater treatment facilities, promoting the exchange of expertise and best practices.
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