Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan conducted working negotiations focused on nuclear, radiation, and environmental safety issues related to the construction and future operation of the nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan.
The meeting took place on August 21 at the Uzatom Agency. The delegation from Kazakhstan was headed by Mansur Oshurbayev, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, according to Uzatom.
Representatives from relevant ministries and agencies of both countries discussed the technical and environmental aspects of this nuclear project. Before the start of the working session, participants listened to presentations from Uzbek organizations involved in the project.
Azim Akhmedkhadzhayev, Director of the Uzatom Agency, emphasized that safety is a priority for Uzbekistan's national nuclear program. He noted that the country is building a system of nuclear, radiation, and environmental safety taking into account both national legislation and international standards.
The Kazakh side expressed interest in the safe and sustainable development of nuclear energy in the region. Oshurbayev highlighted the importance of experience exchange, maintaining transparent approaches, and joint work on environmental protection.
During the presentation session, the State Institution Directorate for Nuclear Power Plant Construction, the O‘zGASHKLITI Institute, and UzLITI Engineering company presented information on the progress of design work, surveys, and preparatory measures. The parties also discussed methods for ensuring safety and environmental monitoring.
Kazakh representatives asked questions regarding the presented materials, while officials from the Ministries of Energy and Ecology of Uzbekistan, as well as the Ministry of Emergency Situations, provided additional comments and clarifications.
Following the negotiations, the parties agreed on key directions for further cooperation, including the development of a roadmap and subsequent steps. Special attention was paid to personnel training and the development of expert potential in Central Asia.
The Uzbek side presented a concept for a specialized center that will provide educational and practical training for specialists, simulation training using modern laboratories, and expert consultations on the development of national nuclear infrastructure. The concept also includes a unified platform for academic mobility and a knowledge base based on Uzbekistan's experience in the construction and operation of NPPs.
The center's priorities will be strengthening the culture of nuclear and radiation safety, improving the regulatory framework, and increasing public acceptance of peaceful nuclear energy. To exchange knowledge and develop relevant expertise, the use of the digital platforms 'Nuclear Knowledge Platform' and 'Nuclear Energy Modelling Hub' is planned. The parties confirmed their readiness to continue regular expert dialogue and develop cooperation in the field of safe and responsible use of nuclear energy in Central Asia.
