Afghanistan Grants Uzbek Companies Licenses for Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The interim government of Afghanistan has granted Uzbek companies licenses to conduct geological exploration and hydrocarbon production on its territory, Minister of Energy Zhurabek Mirzamahmudov said in an interview with Uzbekistan 24 TV.

He recalled that operations at the Tuti-Maidan gas field officially began on September 14, with the participation of the head of Uzbekneftegaz and the First Deputy Minister of Energy. The project, set to run for 25 years, is being implemented by the Uzbek company Eriell KAM.

“This is just the first phase. Depending on its results, work will expand and new blocks will be jointly developed. The project is being carried out as an initiative that will benefit the economies of both Uzbekistan and Afghanistan,” the minister emphasized.

Mirzamahmudov noted that stability and infrastructure development in Afghanistan would open a new transit route to the world’s oceans for Uzbekistan. “If there is peace, the economy and infrastructure will grow, and Afghanistan’s territory will become our shortest route to the ocean, enabling more active use of the country’s economic and logistical potential,” he explained.

He added that peace and stability in Afghanistan are important not only for Uzbekistan but for all neighboring countries in the region. “This is a long-term political and strategic task. Our president understands this. Step-by-step, firm, and consistent implementation yields results today, tomorrow, and in the long term,” he said.

The minister also highlighted the sincere attitude of the Afghan people toward Uzbekistan, evident in every dialogue and negotiation. “They express the appreciation for the affection our president shows to the people of Afghanistan,” Mirzamahmudov noted.

He quoted Afghanistan’s acting Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund: “When I met the president in Azerbaijan, I saw in his eyes and words a sincere love for Afghanistan and its people.”