Manas discussed the development of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in the field of water resources

Deputy Prime Minister Bakyt Torobaev took part in the 7th meeting of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek Joint Water Management Commission, held in Manas.

During the meeting, the parties discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation, including the rational use of water resources, ensuring water and energy security in the context of climate change, and prospects for regional development.

Bakyt Torobaev noted that relations between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have reached the level of a strategic partnership based on mutual trust, respect and support.

«Thanks to the strong political will of our presidents, complex issues, including those related to the state border, have been successfully resolved, which has strengthened trust and good neighbourliness between our peoples», — Bakyt Torobaev emphasised.

Kyrgyzstan, located at the headwaters of the region's main waterways, consistently fulfils its obligations to provide downstream countries with the necessary volumes of water, contributing to the maintenance of food and environmental security in Central Asia.

«We view water not as a subject of controversy, but as the basis for mutual understanding, friendship and sustainable development», — Torobaev noted.

In order to increase the effectiveness of cooperation, the Kyrgyz side proposed:
the introduction of drip and automated irrigation in border areas; the creation of a «Green Belt of Friendship» along the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border to restore forests and combat desertification; further development of cooperation between authorised state bodies in the field of water and energy.

It was noted that the implementation of such large-scale projects as the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1 and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway opens up broad opportunities for strengthening the energy potential and transport connectivity not only of the two countries, but of the entire region.

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further strengthen cooperation and implement new joint initiatives.

«I am confident that our joint efforts will ensure the sustainable development and prosperity of our countries», — emphasised Deputy Prime Minister Bakyt Torobaev.