Uzbekistan and Afghanistan Agree to Expand Energy Cooperation
Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have agreed to expand energy cooperation, including drafting a 15-year power sector development program.
Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have reached an agreement to broaden their strategic collaboration within the energy sector. This expanded partnership will involve crafting a 15-year energy development plan for Afghanistan and forming joint technical working groups, as reported by the power utility Da Afghanistan Breshna Shirkat (DABS).
DABS Chief Executive Officer Mullah Abdul Haq Hamkar held discussions with Umid Mamadaminov, Uzbekistan's First Deputy Minister of Energy, with technical and engineering officials also present, the company stated.
The discussions encompassed various aspects of the energy sector, including power generation, transmission, and distribution. Other topics included enhancing technical capabilities, fostering engineering cooperation, implementing smart metering systems, long-term energy planning, and modernizing Afghanistan's power infrastructure.
Uzbekistan reiterated its commitment to aiding the growth of Afghanistan's energy sector, highlighting that a consistent power supply is crucial for the nation's economic advancement, mining industry expansion, and industrialization.
Uzbek representatives underscored that their cooperation would go beyond merely exporting electricity. It would also involve collaborative projects in power generation, transmission, and distribution, alongside the development of technical and human resources.
DABS indicated that Uzbekistan's first deputy minister of energy revealed intentions to formulate a detailed 15-year development program for Afghanistan's energy sector.
After conducting technical studies and feasibility assessments, the Uzbek side will provide the Afghan power company with technical specifications and initial cost estimates for high-priority projects.
Both parties consented to establish joint technical working groups, intensify the sharing of expertise and technology, bolster professional capabilities, and maintain practical cooperation aimed at modernizing Afghanistan's energy industry.