Turkmenistan authorities have called on Afghanistan to rationally utilize the resources of transboundary rivers and other water bodies in accordance with international law. The statement was made during the visit of an Afghan government delegation led by the Acting Minister of Industry and Trade, Nuriddin Azizi.
Turkmenistan proposed three key points for Afghanistan to consider:
- The need for scientifically justified water intake from transboundary rivers based on actual needs;
- Ensuring that highly qualified personnel are involved in the construction of hydrotechnical structures on transboundary rivers;
- Unconditional consideration of the interests of all states located along transboundary rivers.
Although not explicitly mentioned in the statement, it is evident that the reference is to the Amu Darya River and the canal being constructed by the Afghan side, known as the Kosh Tepa canal. Currently, Afghanistan is not part of the agreements on the division of Amu Darya water intake, which were signed between post-Soviet Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Observers fear that the construction of the Afghan canal may lead to water shortages for these countries, which are already facing water deficits. However, experts remain hopeful that once the canal is operational, Afghanistan will align with international agreements.
Meanwhile, during the summer and autumn of 2023, the flow of the Amu Darya River was abundant, resulting in Turkmen reservoirs being filled beyond their projected capacity. This followed a three-year drought in the region.
