Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has emphasized that effective water management in Central Asia is not possible without Afghanistan’s participation.
Speaking at a regional meeting in Astana, he highlighted the importance of cooperation on shared water resources, climate challenges, and environmental protection.
Mirziyoyev pointed to the need for coordinated efforts in managing transboundary water systems, particularly in areas linked to the Aral Sea basin.
He also called for increased international support for environmental and land restoration projects in Afghanistan, stressing that long-term regional stability depends on clear legal frameworks governing water distribution.
At the same time, concerns remain over Afghanistan’s Qosh Tepa Canal project, which some officials in Uzbekistan believe could alter the regional water balance.
Afghan authorities, however, maintain that the project will not harm neighboring countries, underscoring ongoing differences in perception over its impact.
