Uzbekistan and Tajikistan want to use Sarez Lake for drinking water

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have engaged in discussions regarding the utilization of Sarez Lake for drinking water purposes. This topic was addressed during the 7th meeting of the joint working group on the integrated management of transboundary water resources in Central Asia, held in Dushanbe on August 3, 2024.

The meeting focused on the potential use of Sarez Lake's water resources to supply clean drinking water to the region. Additionally, it explored the feasibility of initiating new cross-border water management projects between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The matter of utilizing Sarez Lake for drinking water needs was previously discussed by the leaders of the two nations, Emomali Rahmon and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during President Rahmon's state visit to Uzbekistan. The president directed the Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation to investigate this possibility.

Emomali Rahmon has consistently highlighted Tajikistan's significant freshwater resources in international forums, proposing Sarez Lake as a long-term solution for providing drinking water to Central Asian countries.

Furthermore, the Tajik government has suggested expanding this initiative to supply drinking water to other Asian countries, including Iran, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.