Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan Strengthen Water and Energy Cooperation

Kazakhstan's Almaty city has hosted a high-level meeting of the heads of water and energy departments from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

The talks brought together Kyrgyz Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibrayev, Kazakh Water and Irrigation Minister Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Uzbek Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Uzbek Water Resources Minister Shavkat Khamrayev, and Kyrgyz Deputy Minister Almaz Jeenaliev to coordinate regional water and energy strategies, The Caspian Post informs via Kazakh media.

Amid challenges at the Toktogul Reservoir, the countries agreed to mutual electricity supplies to Kyrgyzstan during autumn and winter. This support will allow Kyrgyzstan to reduce electricity generation, store water in Toktogul, and ensure that the accumulated water is released to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan during the growing season for stable irrigation of southern agricultural lands.

The parties also committed to joint energy-saving measures and confirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to provide technical conditions for energy transit, supply, and system balancing.

A trilateral protocol was signed following the meeting, legally formalizing the volumes of winter electricity supplies and water accumulation for the 2026 growing season.

Officials emphasized that the collaboration reflects good neighborliness and aims to strengthen energy security and regional stability throughout Central Asia.

Earlier reports noted Kazakhstan and South Korea are working together on cascade hydroelectric power projects, signaling a broader focus on regional energy development.