Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan has discussed joint projects with Türkiye and international organisations to develop water-saving technologies, introduce digital water accounting and train specialists, the press service of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Water Resources said.
The talks took place in Antalya on the sidelines of the COP31 conference. The Uzbek delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Water Resources Rustam Karshiyev, who held meetings with representatives of Turkish government agencies, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
During talks with Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ebubekir Gizlicider, the sides reviewed the implementation of a joint programme for 2026–2027. The document was signed by the two countries’ ministries in October 2026.
To accelerate its implementation, the sides proposed sending Turkish specialists to Uzbekistan and arranging internships in Türkiye for Uzbek experts. They also discussed cooperation between research institutions in the two countries.
A meeting with Mehmet Akif Balta, director-general of Türkiye’s State Hydraulic Works (DSI), focused on water-saving technologies, digital water accounting and monitoring systems.
The Uzbek side proposed launching a joint pilot project to introduce closed-pipeline irrigation systems equipped with water meters. It also put forward an initiative to establish a technical working group and exchange experience in reservoir safety and early warning systems.
Mehmet Akif Balta accepted an invitation to visit Uzbekistan. Karshiyev, in turn, was invited to attend the 20th World Water Congress of the International Water Resources Association (IWRA), scheduled to take place in Istanbul in October 2027.
The Uzbek delegation also met IWMI Director-General Mark Smith to discuss the institute’s 25 years of work in Uzbekistan and prospects for further cooperation.
The sides considered joint projects to introduce water-saving technologies, digitalise water accounting and improve specialist training. Funding would potentially come from the institute and international donors.
Mark Smith agreed to speak at an event organised by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Water Resources during the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi in December 2026.
At a meeting with UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub Director Steliana Nedera, the sides discussed arrangements for implementing the joint Uzbekistan–Türkiye programme with the participation of UNDP’s office in Uzbekistan. They specifically considered funding for exchanges of specialists.
Nedera supported the initiative and instructed the regional hub’s staff to examine it in detail.
