Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and Türkiye have signed a water management cooperation programme for 2026–2027, covering water-saving technologies, irrigation modernization, digitalization, scientific research and professional training.
The agreement was concluded during the ninth Cairo Water Week, held in Egypt on 25 October 2026, following negotiations with Türkiye's Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ebubekir Gizligider.
An Uzbek delegation led by Minister of Water Resources Shavkat Khamraev participated in the international conference, held under the theme "Water as a Factor for Peace, Shared Prosperity and a Sustainable Planet."
The event focused on efficient water resource management, transboundary cooperation, climate change adaptation and the introduction of modern technologies.
During the high-level ministerial session on "Water Diplomacy and Science-Based Cooperation in Shared Water Basins," Khamraev presented Uzbekistan's experience in developing water diplomacy in Central Asia.
He highlighted efforts to strengthen cooperation with neighbouring countries and address environmental challenges in the Aral Sea basin.
The minister also outlined Uzbekistan's priorities for its 2027–2029 chairmanship of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
These priorities include strengthening regional water cooperation and expanding engagement with international organizations.
Cooperation with Egypt was another focus of the visit.
During a meeting with Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam, the parties discussed opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in water management.
Uzbekistan's Research Institute of Irrigation and Water Problems and Egypt's National Water Research Center also signed a memorandum of understanding.
The document provides for joint research, the development of digital monitoring systems, the introduction of water-saving technologies and exchanges of specialists.
Uzbekistan's delegation also held discussions with the leadership of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
The parties agreed to support Uzbekistan's regional initiatives and organize events addressing water-related challenges in Central Asia.
These activities are planned in connection with the United Nations Water Conference in December 2026 and the World Water Forum in 2027.
Potential cooperation with the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) was also discussed.
The proposed areas of cooperation include cultivating drought-resistant crops, water desalination, restoring saline land, harvesting rainwater and financing joint projects.
Uzbekistan's participation in Cairo Water Week provided an opportunity to discuss further international and regional cooperation in water resource management, including partnerships aimed at improving water efficiency and addressing environmental challenges.
