On 10 April, the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Water Diplomacy in Central Asia: Trust, Dialogue, and Multilateral Cooperation for Sustainable Development” was held in Tashkent. The event brought together more than 100 participants from over 10 countries, including representatives of all states sharing the basins of Central Asia’s two major rivers – the Amudarya and the Syrdarya.

For the first time, a delegation from Afghanistan took part in the multilateral dialogue with Central Asian countries.

Addressing the conference participants, Nesar Mohammad Numan, Head of the Water Resources Regulation Department of the Ministry of Energy and Water of Afghanistan’s Interim Government, welcomed the forum’s organization. “It is a great honor for the delegation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to attend such an important event on water diplomacy in Central Asia. Undoubtedly, this will strengthen existing trust, improve relations, and create more favorable conditions for substantive and equitable dialogue on water management and cooperation”, he stated.

According to the Afghan representative, “a multifaceted partnership based on trust and mutual understanding is currently gaining momentum between Afghanistan and Central Asia”.

“Our countries share much in common, and this can lay a solid foundation for cooperation”, Nesar Mohammad Numan emphasized.

“Fortunately”, he added, “interstate relations between Afghanistan and its Central Asian neighbors are improving in various fields, including economy, politics, trade, transit, water supply, and agriculture”.

In this context, speaking about collaboration in the water sector, the representative of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Energy and Water declared the country’s readiness for constructive cooperation in this direction. He said, “After a long period of political instability, peace and security have been restored in Afghanistan. This presents a unique and historic opportunity for both Afghanistan and its Central Asian neighbors to resolve shared challenges and join efforts for fair and sustainable water resource management in the region”.

Nesar Mohammad Numan expressed confidence that “water should become a unique source of cooperation, not of conflict”. “We firmly believe in this approach. Several rounds of negotiations on water issues have already been held with the Republic of Uzbekistan and other neighbors in the region”, he noted.

The specialist highlighted the importance of working with Central Asia in water resource management. “The Central Asian countries have extensive experience in the effective management and use of water resources, further underscoring the value of establishing cooperation in this area”. Moreover, Nesar Mohammad Numan is convinced that Afghanistan must be part of water cooperation in Central Asia. “Only together can we overcome the common regional water and climate-related challenges”, he concluded.

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