Uzbekistan and Afghanistan Agree to Expand Energy Cooperation
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have agreed to expand strategic cooperation in the energy sector, including the preparation of a 15-year energy development program for Afghanistan and the creation of joint technical working groups, according to power company Da Afghanistan Breshna Shirkat (DABS).
DABS Chief Executive Officer Mullah Abdul Haq Hamkar met with First Deputy Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Umid Mamadaminov alongside technical and engineering officials, the company said.
During the talks, the parties discussed power generation, transmission, and distribution, strengthening technical capacity, engineering cooperation, introducing smart metering, long-term energy planning, and modernizing Afghanistan's power system.
The Uzbek side reaffirmed its readiness to support the development of Afghanistan's energy sector, noting that a reliable power supply is a key factor for economic growth, mining development, and industrialization in the country.
Uzbek representatives emphasized that cooperation will extend beyond electricity exports to encompass joint projects in power generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as developing technical and human capacity.
According to DABS, the first deputy minister of energy of Uzbekistan announced plans to draft a comprehensive 15-year development program for Afghanistan's energy sector.
Following technical studies and feasibility assessments, the Uzbek side will present technical specifications and preliminary costs for priority projects to the Afghan power company.
The parties agreed to establish joint technical working groups, increase the exchange of expertise and technology, strengthen professional capacity, and continue practical cooperation on modernizing Afghanistan's energy industry.
