Uzbekistan Acknowledges Afghanistan’s Right to Amu River Water Usage

Politics Omar El-Sharif October 29, 2024

Uzbekistan Acknowledges Afghanistan’s Right to Amu River Water Usage

Uzbekistan’s envoy, Ismatullah Irgashev, affirmed Afghanistan’s right to utilize the Amu River’s water, emphasizing the necessity of fair distribution. He noted the establishment of a joint commission to address the construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal, set to divert significant water volumes. Alongside, flights from Iran to Kabul have begun, fostering greater connectivity, while an air services MoU with Qatar reflects Afghanistan’s efforts to enhance international ties, amidst ongoing support from organizations like the IOM.

Uzbekistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, Ismatullah Irgashev, affirmed that Afghanistan has the right to utilize water from the Amu River, while emphasizing the importance of establishing an equitable distribution of water resources between the two nations. Irgashev noted that discussions surrounding the allocation of water usage are essential, as they are influenced by the river’s decreasing water levels. He elaborated on the cooperative efforts between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, particularly the establishment of a joint commission aimed at facilitating the construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal, which will stretch for 285 kilometers and draw from the Amu River. The canal is projected to divert approximately 10 cubic kilometers of water annually, representing about 20% of the river’s total volume. Although Uzbekistan has voiced concerns regarding the potential alteration of the regional hydrology due to this project, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has asserted that Uzbekistan’s water usage will not be adversely affected. Simultaneously, the article discusses the recent initiation of flights by an Iranian airline to Kabul, symbolizing increasing connectivity between Afghanistan and neighboring countries. Iranian officials remarked on the historical ties between the peoples of Iran and Afghanistan, and the significance of these flights in fostering economic and cultural relations. Additional developments include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Afghanistan and Qatar to enhance air traffic rights, showcasing a continued interest in rebuilding Afghanistan’s international connections. Furthermore, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reiterated its commitment to assist the Afghan populace in response to natural disasters, highlighting the cooperative efforts with Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority.

The Amu River is a crucial water source in Central Asia, serving as a lifeline for both Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. Recently, tensions surrounding water rights and distribution have emerged, prompting discussions on cooperative strategies to manage shared resources. The construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal in Afghanistan is a significant development that seeks to enhance water accessibility for agricultural use but has raised concerns in Uzbekistan regarding the long-term impacts on water availability. This highlights the complexity of transboundary water management in a region where resource scarcity is a growing concern. Additionally, the reestablishment of flight operations between Iran and Afghanistan and new air traffic agreements signify Afghanistan’s attempts to reinvigorate its international relationships amid ongoing challenges.

In conclusion, the dialogue surrounding water rights from the Amu River underscores the intricate dynamics of resource sharing between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. Irgashev’s statements reflect a commitment to cooperation amid concerns over water scarcity. Concurrently, the resumption of international flights and the signing of air traffic agreements indicate Afghanistan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in the region and expand its global connections. The collaboration between the IOM and Afghanistan’s disaster management authority further demonstrates the international community’s commitment to supporting the Afghan people during challenging times.

Original Source: www.ariananews.af