Ways to expand energy trade among Central Asian states were discussed in Astana
The first meeting of energy ministers of Central Asian states was held in Astana on Tuesday. The event was chaired by Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Almasadam Satkaliyev.
Opening the meeting, the head of the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan noted the enormous potential in developing energy cooperation and strengthening existing ties between the Central Asian countries.
According to him, today, the challenges faced by Central Asian countries include global disruption of energy supply stability, 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," Satkaliyev suggested.
The meeting also noted the importance of expanding opportunities for energy trade, developing a low-carbon direction, achieving carbon neutrality, and a gradual energy transition.
An important factor in regional cooperation was 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 Central Asian countries.
It is also necessary to study the possibility of implementing joint projects in the gas industry.
The head of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan recalled that Kazakhstan is currently starting to implement a global project in the field of development and transmission of green energy with the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, and is also actively discussing the construction of a large-scale hydroelectric power station Kambarata HPP-1 with the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
"In this regard, I propose to consider the possibility of implementing similar projects with the states of 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.
Turkmenistan was represented at the meeting by Ambassador Batyr Rejepov. The event took place on the eve of the VI Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, which will be held in Astana on August 9.
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