The Ministry of Water Resources of Uzbekistan and the Swiss Confederation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in the water sector under the framework of the “Blue Peace in Central Asia” initiative.
The agreement was formalized during a meeting held in Tashkent with Christian Frutiger, Deputy Director and Head of the Thematic Department at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. He was welcomed by Otkir Sheraliyev, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Water Resources.
Sheraliyev highlighted that long-standing collaboration with Switzerland on water efficiency has already shown tangible results. He expressed optimism that the newly signed MoU would further enhance regional cooperation and the sustainable management of shared water resources.
The MoU focuses on developing integrated water resource management strategies, strengthening transboundary dialogue, and building institutional and technical capacity across Central Asian countries.
Launched in 2010 by Switzerland and active in Central Asia since 2017, the Blue Peace Initiative encourages water as a tool for peace, stability, and sustainable development. It promotes science-based policymaking, cross-border cooperation, and public engagement—including youth and women—in shaping regional water governance.
Implemented by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), the initiative also emphasizes transparency and inclusivity in managing water resources.
Christian Frutiger stressed the MoU as a foundation for long-term collaboration between Uzbekistan and Switzerland. He noted its potential to improve transboundary water dialogue and foster trust among regional stakeholders.
The event was also attended by Konstantin Obolensky, Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Uzbekistan. Guests had the opportunity to explore the activities of the “Watermen’s School,” an initiative supporting water education and capacity-building in Uzbekistan.
