Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan reach agreement on joint use of Chashma spring

The main terms of the draft agreement on the joint use of the Chashma spring by Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have been approved.

According to reports, on April 24, a regular joint meeting of the delegations of the two countries on issues of delimitation and demarcation of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz state border was held in Tashkent. The meeting was chaired by Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan – Chairman of the State Committee for National Security Kamchybek Tashiev.

During the negotiations, the protocol concerning the crossing of the project line of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz state border through the last unsettled section was approved, along with the main terms of the draft agreement on the joint use of the Chashma spring between the two governments.

The parties emphasized that the Chashma spring is a shared asset of the peoples of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Agreements were reached to ensure free and unobstructed access for Uzbekistani citizens to the spring, to guarantee Uzbekistan’s right to use two-thirds of the spring, and to coordinate with the Uzbek side on any actions that could affect the quantity and quality of the spring’s water resources.

Additionally, the parties agreed not to allow any measures that would prevent the full use of the Chashma spring by the citizens of both countries.

The sides committed to finalizing and signing the agreement on the joint use of the Chashma spring and the related state border section contract within a short period.

During the talks, general positions were also agreed upon regarding the status and operation of certain border crossing points along the Uzbek-Kyrgyz state border. The ongoing bilateral negotiations aimed at developing a common approach to easing the movement of citizens and cargo across the border were positively evaluated.

Furthermore, the importance of promptly signing the protocol on amending and supplementing the 2004 agreement on border crossing points between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan was emphasized, aiming to create more favorable conditions for the citizens of both countries.

The parties also agreed to hold a meeting soon between working groups composed of representatives from the relevant authorities of the two countries. A corresponding protocol was signed at the end of the negotiations.

It should be recalled that on May 31, 2020, a conflict arose between citizens of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan near the Chashma spring, located on the border between the two countries. As a result of clashes that broke out during a joint canal-cleaning effort, 187 residents of the Sokh district were injured.