Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 21-23 May, Israel was visited by a delegation led by the Minister of Water Resources of Uzbekistan Shavkat Khamraev, Dunyo news agency reported.

The visit at the level of the head of the Ministry of Water Resources of Uzbekistan was organized for the first time in the history of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During the visit, Minister Shavkat Khamraev held meetings with Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Israel Katz and Minister of Agriculture and Local Development Avi Dichter.

During the meetings, an exchange of views took place on the development of modern water management, as well as promising areas of cooperation and the study of Israel’s best practices. Agreements were reached on targeted interaction between experts from the two countries.

In the Agency for International Development Cooperation under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel "MASHAV", the Israeli side informed about the progress of the project on water resources of the Republic of Karakalpakstan in Uzbekistan within the framework of the UN environmental protection program. At the same time, the intention of the MASHAV Agency to open an office of an expert on agriculture and water management in Uzbekistan was announced.

The delegation of Uzbekistan got acquainted with the work of Israeli organizations and enterprises engaged in the field of water resources management and regulation of the water sector.

In particular, a meeting was held at the Israeli State Water Supply and Sewerage Administration, and the delegation also visited the Shafdan wastewater treatment plant, operated by the Israeli National Company Mekorot.

A number of companies presented presentations on the issues of treatment, storage and distribution of treated wastewater among the main groups of water consumers, the development and implementation of water-saving technologies, and innovative solutions in the field of irrigation.

At the meeting in the Israeli Farmers’ Federation, the delegation members got acquainted with the topical issues of the work of agricultural enterprises, in particular in the field of water use, interaction with government agencies and the private sector.

During the visit to a number of farms, water supply infrastructure was presented, including advanced water-saving technology systems.