Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to intend jointly build the Rogun hydropower plant
A long-term discussion on the construction of the Rogun hydropower plant (HPP) in Tajikistan can be resolved to the greatest favor of the two neighboring countries – Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Moreover, Uzbekistan will not oppose to the implementation of this project, but can join it on condition that all international requirements are complied with.
The portal of the Uzbek government gov.uz reports it.
Such an historical agreement was reached during the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to the Republic of Tajikistan on March 9 – 10, 2018.
The presidents of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan – Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Emomali Rahmon in a joint statement, emphasized the importance of existing and under construction hydropower facilities for the Central Asian region. According to the parties, these facilities help to solve the current water- and energy-related issues in the region to the benefit of all Central Asian countries.
The Rogun HPP is seen in Tajikistan as a solution to the energy independence and a tool for economic growth. The realization of Rogun HPP project was suspended due to economic and political obstacles of neighboring countries, in particular, Uzbekistan, which was concerned about its impact on the environment of the region. Seems now obstacles are solved, and the Rogun HPP can be built by the joint efforts of the two neighboring states.
It should be noted that Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who was elected to the post of the President of Uzbekistan in December 2016, identified a “reset” of relations with the countries of the region as a priority task in foreign policy as well as establishment of friendly relations with neighbors. In addition, the first official trip, as the president of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev made in Ashgabat.
The current visit of the Uzbek leader in Dushanbe is also significant. Indeed, this is the first state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Tajikistan in the history of bilateral relations since 2000.
