Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in the peaceful use of nuclear energy is built on friendly relations and develops through bilateral contacts, working visits, and specialized events.

On 18 August, the Agency "Uzatom" hosted a working meeting with the Kazakh delegation led by Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Zhomart Aliyev, dedicated to further advancing joint efforts in the nuclear sector.

The Uzbek side was represented by the leadership and experts of Uzatom, the Directorate for Nuclear Power Plant Construction, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Defense, Health, Emergency Situations, and Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, the Tashkent branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, and the companies O‘ZGASHKLITI LLC and Uzliti Engineering.

The Kazakh delegation included officials and specialists from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the Atomic Energy Agency, the Ministries of Defense and Emergency Situations, along with representatives of other government bodies.

The meeting addressed key areas of cooperation in nuclear energy, with a strong focus on safety, seismic resilience, and environmental issues. Both sides discussed aspects of seismic safety for potential nuclear power plant sites in their respective countries.

Director of Uzatom, Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, stated: “It is especially important for us to see that Kazakhstan has already started engineering and surveying work, laying a solid foundation for its nuclear power plant project. We fully understand the significance of this stage, as we are implementing a similar project ourselves. At this point, our countries are moving along parallel paths of development, which is why we have so many points of convergence. We must meet more often, exchange experience, and explore new horizons together — from energy to medicine, agriculture, and water treatment, where nuclear technologies can bring tangible benefits.”

The Uzbek side presented the outcomes of implementing international legal instruments in the field of nuclear and radiation safety, which were highly appreciated by their Kazakh counterparts.

Special attention was given to the establishment of a joint system for monitoring radiation and environmental conditions. This initiative will strengthen cooperation in radiation safety and allow for more effective data exchange between the two countries. The importance of jointly developing rapid response mechanisms was also stressed, enhancing Uzbekistan’s and Kazakhstan’s preparedness for potential emergencies.

Vice Minister Zhomart Aliyev emphasized: “Our goal is to discuss emerging issues in order to avoid repeating mistakes. We are advancing in many ways along parallel tracks, so a constructive approach and exchange of experience are key.”

In addition, the delegations discussed training specialists for the nuclear sector, including the development of joint educational programs based at the Tashkent branch of NRNU MEPhI. Both sides expressed readiness to continue cooperation in staff training, professional development, and the advancement of new technologies to ensure nuclear and radiation safety.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of Uzbekistan’s and Kazakhstan’s mutual commitment to deepening cooperation in nuclear energy, contributing to the safe and sustainable development of energy projects in Central Asia.