OSCE supports meeting on Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan water sharing agreement

BISHKEK, 6 October 2009 - OSCE officials provided support and guidance during a meeting today of government officials and experts from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as well as representatives from other international organizations that focused on progress under an agreement to share the water from trans-boundary rivers.

The Chu and Talas Commission, which was established in 2006 with the support of the OSCE, was created as part of an agreement that provides for the two countries' sharing of the water in the Chu and Talas Rivers.

"Efficient and transparent management of trans-boundary water resources is a tool to eliminate potential tensions among Central Asian states. The excellent co-operation between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan on managing trans-boundary water flows proves the feasibility of mutually beneficial agreement between up- and downstream countries," said Lilian Darii, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

The Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and the UN Economic Commission for Europe are managing a project to support to the Commission's work.

Participants in today's meeting discussed what has been done since the last meeting, held in Bishkek in February 2009, forthcoming activities and a possible update to the 2000 bilateral agreement on water sharing.

The support for the Commission's work forms part of the OSCE's work to help participating States to strengthen dialogue and co-operation on water management.