Uzbekistan’s Water Resources Minister asserts Afghanistan’s right to Amu River access via the Qosh Tepa Canal, emphasizing positive relations. The canal, once completed, will enhance Afghanistan’s agricultural self-sufficiency.
Uzbekistan’s Minister of Water Resources, Shavkat Khamraev, asserted Afghanistan’s entitlement to access the Amu River’s waters and highlighted that this distribution occurs through the construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal, which Uzbekistan supports. Khamraev encouraged his citizens to dismiss unfounded rumors surrounding this matter.
Khamraev expressed solidarity with Afghanistan, stating, “The Afghans are our relatives. They also have the right to take water from the Amu River. Should we pick up weapons and fight? No, we are building better relations.” The Amu River is a critical water source for Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, though Afghanistan has not utilized it previously.
The Islamic Emirate is now focused on completing the Qosh Tepa Canal, measuring over 280 kilometers, aimed at irrigating 1.2 million hectares in provinces such as Balkh, Jowzjan, and Faryab. Experts suggest that the completion of this canal can lead to Afghanistan achieving self-sufficiency in wheat production, a crucial step for its agricultural sector.
In summary, Uzbekistan acknowledges Afghanistan’s rightful access to the Amu River’s waters as part of fostering better bilateral relations. With the Qosh Tepa Canal’s completion, Afghanistan aims to enhance its agricultural productivity, thereby paving the way for food self-sufficiency. This collaborative stance between the two countries can potentially strengthen their partnership in addressing shared challenges regarding water resources.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
