Afghanistan is ready for water diplomacy with its neighbors in the region
An international scientific and practical conference dedicated to key aspects of water diplomacy in Central Asia was held in the capital of Uzbekistan. The forum entitled “Water Diplomacy in Central Asia: Trust, dialogue and multilateral cooperation for sustainable development” was initiated by the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan. An important event was the first participation of the delegation of Afghanistan in such a format, which opens up new prospects for regional cooperation on vital issues of water use, Kazinform agency correspondent reports.
This event has transformed from a purely scientific meeting into a full-fledged political expert platform. Representatives of academic circles, authoritative international organizations, such as the International Institute for Water Resources Management and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, as well as leading experts in the field of water management and analysts from Central Asian and European countries gathered at one table for discussion. “Today’s conference has become not just a scientific forum, but a full-fledged political and expert platform. This confirms the high interest in creating sustainable water cooperation,” said Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan.
The problems of rational use and management of transboundary water resources are becoming increasingly relevant for the States of the region, where water is a strategic asset. “Water resources issues concern all countries of the region. It is water diplomacy based on trust and mutual understanding that allows us to find a balance of interests and build long-term, mutually beneficial solutions. We consider it not only as an instrument of cooperation, but also as a strategy for sustainable regional development,” Akramjon Nematov emphasized.
Particular attention was paid to the intensification of Afghanistan’s participation in regional processes related to water resources. The understanding of the need to include Kabul in the negotiations on the joint use of waterways existed back in the 1990s, since the countries have common river basins, and without the participation of Afghanistan it is impossible to build a comprehensive management system for these resources. “However, at that time there was an unstable situation in Afghanistan. Today, a new Government has been formed there, which is striving for stabilization, security and effective governance. And most importantly, we see Afghanistan’s desire to participate in a constructive dialogue,” Nematov said.
The international community is also demonstrating support for regional efforts in this area. A landmark event was the adoption in March by the UN General Assembly of a resolution on the establishment of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty. This initiative was put forward by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. “Water cooperation issues are among the priorities of the new center. Such an initiative creates new opportunities to strengthen an inclusive dialogue in which all interested parties participate,” the representative of the Uzbek side added.
The readiness of Afghanistan for constructive dialogue and cooperation was also confirmed by the head of the Department of Water Resources Regulation of the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Interim Government of Afghanistan Nesar Mohammad Numan. “After many years of instability in Afghanistan, we are ready to cooperate. The countries of Central Asia and other neighboring countries have extensive experience in effective management and use of water resources. At the same time, it is necessary to develop irrigation systems in Afghanistan. Water diplomacy is a new direction and opportunity for us,” he said, expressing hope for a fruitful partnership.
