Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 4 August, a trilateral summit was held in the city of Ashgabat with the participation of the heads of state of Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with the aim of discussing key issues and developing a strategy that contributes to the development and prosperity of each country and region as a whole.

One of the central topics during the talks was the development of the energy sector, in particular cooperation in the supply of natural gas, oil products, electricity and the need to ensure stable and reliable supplies of energy resources in the region.

According to expert opinions, the annual unrealized benefits in the energy complex of Central Asia amount to 0.9% of the region’s total GDP. Also, according to the estimates of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), the region is among the most vulnerable in terms of the impact of climate change, which needs a "green transformation".

In this regard, the heads of state initiated the joint implementation of projects in the field of hydro and thermal energy. These projects are part of a strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and encourage the use of renewable energy sources.

In particular, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that close, fruitful cooperation has already been established between the countries of Central Asia, including in the field of energy supplies and transit.

As a result of the trilateral summit, a joint statement was signed, where the decision to hold talks at the level of heads of energy departments in the second half of 2023 should be noted, which is an important step towards deepening cooperation between countries in the oil and gas and electricity sectors.

The holding of this format at the highest level testifies to the political will and readiness of the Leaders of States for mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector. This, in turn, can lead to the strengthening of economic ties between countries, increase the energy security of the region and contribute to long-term sustainable development.

Ilkhom Abdukarimov

Leading specialist of the International Institute of Central Asia