Azerbaijan and Iran agree on water use and operation plan for Araz reservoir

Azerbaijan and Iran have reached a key agreement on the operation mode and water allocation of the Araz reservoir, following the 54th meeting of the Permanent Joint Commission on the shared use of the Araz River's water and energy resources, held in Baku.

The meeting was co-chaired by Zakir Guliyev, representative of the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency, and attended by officials from Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerenerji OJSC, and Iranian counterparts.

During the session, the two sides:

• Set the operational parameters for the Araz reservoir to manage seasonal flow and storage;
• Finalized water distribution tables, outlining equitable use between both countries;
• Signed a formal protocol to govern the joint management of water and hydro-energy resources from the Araz River.
   

The Araz reservoir, situated on a transboundary river, is vital for irrigation, drinking water supply, and energy generation in both countries. The agreement underscores the importance of technical cooperation and regional dialogue in managing shared natural resources, particularly in the context of increasing water scarcity and climate variability.

The commission continues to serve as a key bilateral mechanism for ensuring sustainable water governance, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation in this area.

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