Representatives of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS) took part in the 4th Regional Working Group Meeting to discuss a mutually beneficial mechanism for water and energy cooperation in Central Asia, which took place on July 10, 2025 in Astana.

The event was organized by the German Corporation for International (GIZ) together with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It was attended by more than 70 representatives of sectoral ministries and departments of Central Asian countries, regional and international organizations.

During the meeting, issues of strengthening water and energy cooperation between the countries of Central Asia, as well as the development of effective approaches in the field of water and energy resource management to maintain sustainability and stability in the region were discussed.

Speaking at the event, the Uzbek side emphasized that in recent years, thanks to the consolidation and strengthening of cooperation between the countries of Central Asia, it has been possible to find mutually acceptable solutions to regional issues, including the water and energy sector.

In this regard, the successful cooperation between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in the management of the Toktogul reservoir and the implementation of the Kambarata HPP-1 construction project was noted, as well as the joint determination of the operating mode of the Bakhri Tojik reservoir in the summer on mutually beneficial terms between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

Discussing the prospects for cooperation in this area, the meeting participants particularly noted the need to involve Afghanistan in the dialogue. This will ensure full-fledged regional cooperation in the area of water resources.

In this context, representatives of the ISRS focused on the steps taken by Uzbekistan to involve Kabul in interaction with the countries of the region.

Evidence of this is the participation of representatives of Afghanistan in such events as the international scientific and practical conference “Water Diplomacy in Central Asia: Trust, Dialogue and Multilateral Cooperation for Sustainable Development” (April 10) and the first meeting of the Termez Dialogue on the connectivity between Central and South Asia on the theme: “Building a Common Space of Peace, Friendship and Prosperity” (May 19–21).

Such expert platforms allow for an exchange of opinions, strengthening trust between Afghanistan and the countries of the region, and developing mutually acceptable solutions for joint and coordinated counteraction to challenges and threats to water, energy security, and climate sustainability.

In general, the participants of the 4th Regional Working Group Meeting noted that pragmatic and mutually beneficial water and energy cooperation in Central Asia is a guarantee of stability and sustainable development of the region.

Taking this into account, the parties expressed their readiness to further strengthen mutually beneficial water and energy cooperation and develop practical solutions in this area.