Russia Engages Uzbekistan and Neighbors on Water Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Russian Federation maintains an active dialogue with Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan on water cooperation, despite the absence of transboundary rivers, Russian Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology Maksim Korolkov said at the Tashkent Water Week 2026 International Forum in Tashkent.

According to Korolkov, Russia’s experience collaborating with neighboring countries such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, and Mongolia enables the effective and equitable use of water resources and the adoption of modern technologies for their sustainable management.

“Even without transboundary rivers, we engage in regular dialogue at multiple levels with Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, participate in joint initiatives, and exchange best practices. A system of joint working bodies operates, with more than 50 working group meetings held annually on priority areas,” Korolkov noted.

The forum’s central theme is “Technologies and Innovations in Water Resource Management: Central Asia and the Global Water Cycle.” Organized by the Government of Uzbekistan, the event provides a platform for discussing innovative approaches, sharing expertise, and developing joint strategies for the sustainable use of water resources.

Tashkent Water Week 2026 features 16 sessions with 80 speakers and over 1,200 delegates from 19 countries, including Austria, the United Kingdom, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, China, the Netherlands, the UAE, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Finland, France, Switzerland, and Sweden.

The forum is designed as a comprehensive platform uniting government agencies, international organizations, businesses, the scientific community, young specialists, and researchers. Organizers aim to foster synergy between science, practice, and industry, creating conditions for translating research into practical sectoral solutions.