Central Asia Ministers Advance Water-Energy Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A quarterly working meeting of ministers responsible for energy and water management from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan was held in Bishkek, focusing on coordination of water-energy cooperation in the region.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Minister of Energy of Kyrgyzstan Taalaibek Ibraev, and Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan Erlan Akkenzhenov. The discussion also included Minister of Water Resources of Uzbekistan Shavkat Khamraev and Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan Daler Juma via videoconference.

During the talks, participants noted that multilateral cooperation initiated in recent years at the level of heads of state has been consistently developing and demonstrating effectiveness, including in the fuel and energy sector.

A key focus of the meeting was the coordination of operational regimes for water and energy systems during the upcoming 2026–2027 vegetation period. Participants emphasized the interdependence of regional energy infrastructure and the need to strengthen coordination to ensure stable operation.

Special attention was given to the outcomes of the autumn-winter season, as well as measures aimed at balancing system loads and ensuring uninterrupted energy supply.

The sides confirmed their readiness to further deepen cooperation based on mutual trust and coordinated approaches.

As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue implementing previously coordinated operational regimes, expand intersectoral cooperation, and strengthen regional energy partnerships.

The next meetings are scheduled for May 2026 in Tashkent and June 2026 in Bishkek.