The first meeting of energy ministers of Central Asian states took place in Astana on August 6. The event was chaired by Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev.
The meeting was attended by:
Kyrgyzstan – Minister of Energy Ibraev Taalaibek
Tajikistan – Minister of Energy and Water Resources Juma Daler Shofaqir
Uzbekistan – Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov
Turkmenistan – Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan Batyr Rejepov
Azerbaijan – Deputy Minister of Energy Orkhan Zeynalov
Opening the meeting, the head of the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan noted the existing colossal potential in developing energy cooperation and in strengthening existing ties between the countries of Central Asia.
According to him, today, among the challenges faced by Central Asian countries are the global disruption of the stability of energy supplies, fluctuations in oil and gas prices, and other factors.
“To ensure the reliability of energy supplies, it is necessary to develop mechanisms for forecasting and managing these challenges, as well as strengthening cooperation between our countries,” suggested A. Satkaliev.
He also called on his colleagues to step up efforts to strengthen cooperation by expanding opportunities for energy trade, as well as to develop low-carbon development, achieve carbon neutrality and a gradual energy transition.
“In addition, an important factor in the development of regional cooperation is the comprehensive attraction of investments and the implementation of large joint technological projects in the energy sector, with the aim of stimulating the development of modern energy infrastructure in the countries of Central Asia,” the minister noted.
According to Satkaliev, the possibility of implementing joint projects in the gas industry should also be studied.
The head of the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan recalled that Kazakhstan is currently beginning to implement a global project in the field of development and transmission of green energy with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, and is also actively discussing the construction of a large-scale hydroelectric power station Kambarata HPP-1 with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
“In this regard, I propose considering the possibility of implementing similar projects with states in the region, in particular in the gas industry,” he suggested.
Following the meeting, the heads of the Central Asian energy departments signed a communiqué, which will lay the foundation for further successful cooperation in all key areas between the countries.
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