Uzbekistan open to dialogue on Taliban’s Qosh Tepa Canal 

On March 18, Minister Hamraev held an open dialogue with members of the public council under the ministry and media representatives. Citing the minister, Gazeta.uz reported that the Qosh Tepa Canal, which the Taliban are building to draw water from the Amu Darya, is expected to be finalized in 2028.

“When you think about it, Afghans are our kin too. They also have a right to take water from the Amu Darya. People write on social media that they’re building Qosh Tepa, this is happening, that is happening. What, should we pick up arms and fight them? No, we’re engaging with them, we’re relatives, and we’re building better relations. We’ll gradually explain to them to take only what’s rightfully theirs. Then there’ll be documents, other steps, and through dialogue, we’ll sort everything out,” Hamraev said.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining good neighborly relations and avoiding unnecessary rumors. “For years, people said, ‘Tajikistan is building something, Kyrgyzstan is building something,’ and two nations were turned into enemies. We shouldn’t get caught up in empty talk. For example, if someone says your neighbor is eyeing your daughters or throwing stones at your car as they pass by, it’d upset you (he laughs). That’s why, instead of getting carried away by gossip, take a plate of plov to your neighbor for iftar one evening. You’ll see what a good person they are. They’ll offer their own plate in return and show you goodwill. Nowadays, some don’t even know their neighbors, asking, ‘Who’s that?’ Where have our old traditions gone? That’s why we need to stay close to our neighbors and keep good relations. For this, I bow to our respected president, because the ice between us and our neighbors has melted, and relations have improved,” the government official concluded.