Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have signed contracts to implement four major energy projects worth around US$243 million, Afghan media reported.

The signing ceremony took place in Kabul in the presence of Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov.

The agreements were concluded between Afghanistan’s power utility Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) and Uzbek partners. The projects are expected to be completed within 18 months, after which Afghanistan will be able to import between 800 and 1,000 megawatts of electricity from Uzbekistan.

Under the agreements, four key projects will be carried out: construction of the 500 kV “Surkhan–Dasht-e Alwan” transmission line with a capacity of 1,000 MW, expansion of the “Argandi” substation with 800 MVA, construction of the 220 kV “Kabul–Sheikh Mesri” transmission line with 800 MW, and the development of the “Sheikh Mesri” substation in Nangarhar with 126 MVA.

Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov emphasized the strategic significance of these agreements, stressing that they were made possible thanks to the direct support of the leaders of both countries. He reaffirmed that Uzbekistan has always advocated for a stable and developed Afghanistan and will make every effort to ensure the timely and high-quality completion of the projects.

DABS CEO Abdul Bari Omar highlighted that the transfer of nearly 1,000 MW of electricity from Uzbekistan will play a crucial role in developing Afghanistan’s industry and agriculture, as well as creating jobs. He added that the projects will not only strengthen the country’s energy security but also serve as an important driver of economic and industrial transformation and deepen trade and economic ties between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.