Uzbek Minister Shavkat Khamraev asserts that Afghanistan has a legitimate right to access Amu River water through the Qosh Tepa Canal. Khamraev highlights the importance of cooperation, stating that Afghans are relatives deserving of resources. The canal, once completed, is expected to significantly boost Afghanistan’s agricultural capabilities.
Uzbekistan’s Minister of Water Resources, Shavkat Khamraev, affirmed Afghanistan’s entitlement to Amu River water through the construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal, expressing that Tashkent does not object to this arrangement. He emphasized that Afghanistan has a legitimate right to access the river’s resources and urged citizens to disregard any false narratives that suggest otherwise.
Khamraev stated, “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,” underlining the importance of cooperation over conflict.
The Amu River is a vital water source for several countries in the region, including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. In recent years, Afghanistan has not harnessed this resource effectively, but plans to complete the Qosh Tepa Canal aim to secure its rightful share.
Once operational, the 280-kilometer-long Qosh Tepa Canal is expected to irrigate 1.2 million hectares in the provinces of Balkh, Jowzjan, and Faryab. Experts anticipate that this enhancement will lead Afghanistan toward self-sufficiency in wheat production, demonstrating the canal’s significant potential impact on the nation’s agricultural capabilities.
In conclusion, Uzbekistan supports Afghanistan’s rights to access the Amu River’s water resources through the successful development of the Qosh Tepa Canal. This initiative not only fosters regional cooperation but also addresses Afghanistan’s need for agricultural self-sufficiency. Khamraev’s statements reflect a commitment to peaceful relations, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration over conflict in managing shared resources.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
