Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 6 August, the first meeting of Central Asian energy ministers took place in Astana, with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, in attendance.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, Almasadam Satkaliyev, emphasized the significant potential for developing energy cooperation and strengthening existing ties among the region’s countries. He noted that Central Asian countries are facing challenges such as global instability in energy resource supplies and fluctuations in oil and gas prices.

Satkaliyev proposed developing mechanisms for forecasting and managing these challenges, as well as enhancing cooperation among countries to ensure reliable energy supplies. He also called on colleagues to intensify efforts to expand energy trade and develop low-carbon initiatives, including achieving carbon neutrality and transitioning to sustainable energy sources.

Additionally, he highlighted the importance of attracting investments and implementing large joint technological projects in the energy sector, which he believes will contribute to the development of modern energy infrastructure in Central Asia. During his speech, Satkaliyev suggested considering the possibility of joint projects in the gas industry.

The minister also reminded attendees of the current global project on the development and transmission of green energy, which Kazakhstan is implementing together with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, as well as the Kambaratinskaya HPP-1 project under discussion with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

Tajikistan’s Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Daler Jum’a, reported that a project is currently underway to reconnect Tajikistan’s energy system to the Unified Energy System of Central Asia, and in June of this year, the energy system of southwestern Tajikistan was linked to the UES CA.

At the end of the meeting, the heads of Central Asian energy ministries signed a communiqué, which will lay the foundation for further cooperation on key areas.