Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Strengthen Water Cooperation at Fifth Joint Meeting

On 30 January 2026, the historic city of Khiva, Uzbekistan, hosted the Fifth Meeting of the Joint Turkmen–Uzbek Intergovernmental Commission on Water Management Issues.

The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan T. Atahalliyev, while the Uzbek side was headed by Sh. Ganiyev, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Agricultural Development. The meeting brought together heads and representatives of relevant ministries, agencies, and state institutions responsible for water resources management, irrigation, land reclamation, and environmental protection in both countries.

In their opening remarks, the co-chairs highlighted the high level of bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, grounded in the principles of good neighborliness, mutual trust, equality, and respect for national interests. They noted the shared intention to expand cooperation not only in the water sector but also across economic, infrastructural, and humanitarian fields.

Both sides emphasized that sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation in water resources management is of strategic importance for ensuring food security, promoting sustainable agricultural development, and maintaining socio-economic stability in the region.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on key priority areas, including:

• Introduction of modern technologies for efficient and rational water use;
• Improvement of water monitoring and accounting systems;
• Development of human resources in the water sector;
• Adaptation to climate change and mitigation of related risks to ensure reliable water supply.

Particular attention was given to measures aimed at minimizing the impacts of climate change and strengthening resilience in the water management sector.



The parties reaffirmed their commitment to regular bilateral consultations, meetings of the intergovernmental commission, and joint activities, as well as to further strengthening the legal and institutional framework for cooperation.

The meeting concluded in a constructive and cooperative atmosphere with the signing of the Protocol of the Fifth Meeting of the Joint Turkmen–Uzbek Intergovernmental Commission on Water Management Issues.

The Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) initiative supported the meeting in close partnership with the national Water Resources Management (NWRM) project in Uzbekistan, financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).