Uzbekistan to take up Qush Tepa canal issue with IEA

KABUL (Pajhwok): A delegation from Uzbekistan is likely to visit Afghanistan for discussions on the Qush Tepa canal with Islamic Emirate officials, Uzbek media reported.

Ulugbek Kosimov, the governor of Uzbekistan’s Surkhandarya region, suggested talks between the two sides would take place by the end of the current year.

AKI press quoted Kosimov as saying on Friday the canal –EA’s flagship project – would affect all countries in the region by lowering water levels.

The government of Afghanistan had been informed of the planned trip of the Uzbekistan delegation, the official added.

Last month, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev voiced his concern over the construction of the canal, channeling water from the Amu River to other parts of the country.

In response, the caretaker government says it respects the rights of all neighbouring countries over the Amu River and there should be no concerns in this regard.

PAN Monitor/mud