The Ministry of Water Resources hosted a meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Uzbekistan, Henri Van Tigem.

The Minister of Water Resources, Shavkat Khamroyev, welcomed the Ambassador and thanked him for the visit. He noted that Uzbekistan is interested in strengthening friendly relations with Belgium, which currently chairs the Council of the European Union, especially in enhancing cooperation in water management.

The Ambassador was informed about the reforms in New Uzbekistan, as well as innovations and changes in water management. The role and importance of transboundary rivers for Uzbekistan were noted, where 85 percent of the used water resources are formed on the territory of neighboring countries, and friendly relations with neighboring countries have been established. It was noted that thanks to the wise and far-sighted policy of the President of Uzbekistan, all important issues are resolved by mutual agreement.

It was also noted that the Concept of developing the water sector of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2020-2030 has been approved. Based on this, a corresponding strategy is adopted and implemented every three years, and priority areas of the concept are indicated.

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Uzbekistan Henri Van Tigem expressed gratitude for the warm welcome.

It was noted that water issues are extremely relevant not only for Belgium but also for the entire European Union. Belgium, like Uzbekistan, uses transboundary river waters. The Scheldt and Meuse rivers irrigate the agricultural fields of the neighboring Netherlands, located below.

At the meeting, special attention was paid to environmental problems related to the drying up of the Aral Sea. It was noted that the tragedy of the Aral Sea is a global crisis not only for Uzbekistan or Central Asia. Therefore, the President of Uzbekistan draws the attention of the world community to the problem of the Aral Sea from prestigious international stands and puts forward essential initiatives to mitigate its environmental consequences.

The Ambassador invited Uzbek specialists to learn about scientific research conducted on drip irrigation at the agricultural faculties of Ghent University and other education institutions in Belgium.

Following the meeting, which took place in a friendly atmosphere, an agreement was reached on exchanging experience and cooperation on the effective management of water resources and their rational use.

UzA