A trilateral meeting of the energy ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, as well as an expanded meeting with the participation of the heads of the water and energy departments of the three countries, was held in Tashkent. This dialogue put on the agenda such pressing issues as maintaining the water and energy balance in the region and ensuring the stable operation of the system.
The negotiations were attended by the Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan Yerlan Akkenzhenov, the Minister of Energy of Kyrgyzstan Taalaybek Ibrayev, and the Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov. The Minister of Energy of Tajikistan Daler Juma was also invited to the meeting. This indicates that the regional scope of the discussions is expanding.
At the meeting, the parties reviewed in detail the current state and future plans for trilateral cooperation in water and energy resource management. In particular, special emphasis was placed on ensuring the stable, uninterrupted and balanced operation of the regional energy system. Since seasonal load fluctuations in Central Asia affect both electricity supply and water use regimes.
During the discussions, the issues of mutual coordination of operating modes of generating capacities, strict adherence to agreed parameters for water use, as well as the development of a common approach and coordinated mechanisms were raised. This is not just a “plan” - it is about precise coordination that will serve to maintain the system in a balanced manner in practice.
The parties emphasized that mutual support and prompt cooperation are especially important in conditions of seasonal loads. It was also emphasized that maintaining a stable water regime in transboundary rivers is a decisive factor from the point of view of energy security. That is, a “shift” in water can later be felt in energy - everyone understands this very well.
At the end of the meeting, the participants confirmed their commitment to continue constructive dialogue aimed at strengthening the reliability of the Central Asian water and energy system and to further strengthen cooperation in the spirit of good neighborliness. A trilateral protocol was signed as a result of the meeting, consolidating the agreements reached.
In short, the dialogue in Tashkent took on a broader meaning than the everyday question of “is there energy or not”: another practical step was taken towards regional stability, maintaining the water and energy balance, and strengthening mutual trust.
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