Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev discussed water-energy problems of Central Asia and agreed that it is necessary to solve all issues in this area, including construction of hydro power stations at trans-boundary rivers, in line with universally recognized norms of international laws and taking into account interests of all states of the region, the joint statement of the presidents said.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which are located in lower course of Syrdarya river, are final consumers of water stock of trans-boundary river and currently face serious deficit of water resources, state that all hydro power stations, which are planned to construct at upper course of Syrdarya river, should be agreed with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan after passing review of experts in line with the UN Convention, the document said.

This approach is based on necessity to prevent ecological, social and human-made risks, as well as keep the volume and regime of river stock.

The sides agreed to make joint efforts to strengthen International Aral Rescue Fund and effective implementation of the third phase “Action programme on rendering assistance to countries of Aral Sea Basin”. Kazakhstan welcomed presidency of Uzbekistan at International Aral Rescue Fund.