On 25 November 2025, in Almaty, representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan agreed on a coordinated approach to joint water and energy management, a long-standing issue at the heart of regional stability in Central Asia.

The agreement focuses on the Toktogul Reservoir, a key hydropower and water-storage asset in Kyrgyzstan that directly influences electricity generation in winter and irrigation supply downstream in summer.

Under the arrangement, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will supply electricity to Kyrgyzstan during the winter period, reducing the need for hydropower generation and allowing water to be stored. During the summer irrigation season, this water will be released to support agricultural needs in southern Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

The countries also committed to improving energy efficiency and reducing peak demand, recognising that conservation plays a critical role in balancing the regional water-energy system.

While technical in nature, the agreement reflects a broader shift toward predictable, rules-based cooperation in a region increasingly affected by climate variability, shrinking water availability, and rising energy demand.

Following the meeting, a trilateral protocol was signed legally establishing the volumes of winter electricity supplies and water accumulation for the 2026 growing season.

By aligning seasonal planning across borders, the three countries are taking a practical step toward reducing risk, improving resilience, and strengthening trust in shared river basins.

Sources: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan have agreed to jointly manage water and energy, Kazakhstan News, 2025.; Казахстан, Кыргызстан и Узбекистан договорились о параметрах водно-энергетического сотрудничества и взаимной поддержке, Министерство энергетики Республики Казахстан, 2025.