Uzbekistan, Taliban Sign Agreement On Water Resources & Economic Cooperation

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture has announced the signing of several agreements with the Taliban in Afghanistan, covering trade, economic cooperation, agriculture, and the joint management of transboundary water resources.

In a statement released on Wednesday, 30 April, the ministry said the agreements aim to strengthen bilateral ties while promoting environmental sustainability and cooperative management of shared water resources in Central Asia.

Although the ministry did not disclose specific terms, Uzbek media reported on Thursday that the agreements include a framework for joint oversight of the Amu Darya river basin and equitable distribution of its water, one of the most critical transboundary water sources in the region.

The deals were formalised during a visit to northern Afghanistan by an Uzbek delegation led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Jamshid Abduzukhurov. The delegation met with senior Taliban officials, including Yousuf Wafa, the Taliban-appointed governor of Balkh province.

According to the ministry, the discussions centred on enhancing agricultural trade, harmonising plant quarantine regulations, and developing joint strategies for water resource management. The agreements also reflect Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to foster regional stability, sustainable development, and environmental security, the statement noted.

The Taliban governor’s office in Balkh confirmed the visit, stating that the primary focus was to expand cooperation in agriculture, economic development, and the use of shared water resources. During the visit, the Uzbek delegation also toured key areas along the Amu Darya river to assess conditions on the ground.

The Amu Darya, which flows through Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, is a vital water source for agriculture and livelihoods. Effective coordination between riparian states has long been a challenge, particularly amid growing concerns over climate change, water scarcity, and regional political dynamics.