The energy ministers of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan met in Tashkent today to discuss a number of issues related to energy security in the region, Turanews.kz reports.
The ministers reviewed the readiness of their countries’ energy facilities for the upcoming autumn-winter period, and discussed ways to ensure the reliable supply of electricity to consumers during this time. They also discussed the issue of providing irrigation water to agricultural producers during the growing season.
A key topic of discussion was the joint project to construct the Kambarata HPP-1, a hydroelectric power plant on the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan. The ministers noted the importance of this project for increasing the supply of clean electricity to the region, as well as for ensuring a stable water supply to the countries involved.
The ministers also discussed plans for the development of energy systems in the region. They agreed to create a single working group that will coordinate all aspects of this development, including the construction of new generation facilities, transmission lines, and substations.
The ministers agreed to report the results of their meeting to the heads of government of their respective countries.
In a statement following the meeting, Kazakh Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev said that the ministers had “a complete understanding” on the issues discussed, and that they were committed to working together to ensure the energy security of the region.
He added that the creation of the single working group was a “significant step” towards achieving this goal.
The meeting of the energy ministers was the latest in a series of high-level talks between the three countries on energy cooperation. In recent years, the countries have signed a number of agreements aimed at strengthening their energy ties.
These agreements include a 2019 agreement on the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1, and a 2022 agreement on the development of a unified energy market in the region.
The energy ministers’ meeting today is a sign of the growing importance of energy cooperation between Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The countries are committed to working together to ensure the reliable supply of energy to their citizens and businesses.
