Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Discuss Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Sector

The Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan, Sherzod Khodjaev, met with the Minister of Energy of Kyrgyzstan, Altynbek Rysbekov, on October 28 to discuss bilateral interaction in the energy sphere.

During the negotiations, issues such as electricity supply, preparation for the autumn-winter period, and the implementation of joint infrastructure projects were addressed. The parties noted that energy cooperation between the two states is steadily developing due to the political will of their leaders, mutual trust, and common initiatives.

Furthermore, this cooperation is aimed at strengthening energy security in Central Asia. Special attention was paid to issues of mutual supply and transit of electricity, as well as ensuring the stable operation of the region's unified power system. The ministers also discussed coordinating measures to guarantee reliable energy supply during the autumn-winter period.

The participants exchanged views on implementing joint projects important for the development of regional energy infrastructure. In particular, the topic of constructing the Kambarat-1 hydroelectric power plant was raised during the discussion. At the end of the meeting, both sides confirmed their interest in expanding practical cooperation, promoting mutually beneficial initiatives, and strengthening the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

The Uzbek company Uzbekneftegaz and the Malaysian corporation PETRONAS held discussions on prospects for expanding cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Possibilities for long-term supplies of natural gas and gas condensate to Uzbekistan were discussed.

The negotiations took place in Ashgabat as part of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition 'Turkmenistan Oil and Gas — OGT 2026'. The delegation of Uzbekneftegaz was headed by Deputy Chairman of the Board Farid Muminov, while the interests of PETRONAS were represented by Vice President of International Assets Mohd Redhani Abdul Rahman.

The parties reviewed various options for organizing long-term supplies of natural gas and gas condensate, as well as studied opportunities for joint work on new projects. Special attention was paid to geological exploration and field development.

Participants discussed potential areas of joint activity that could bring mutual benefit. Company representatives also considered the possibility of continuing the supply of gas condensate to the Bukhara Refinery.

Following the meeting, PETRONAS representatives confirmed their interest in further developing the partnership with Uzbekneftegaz, emphasizing the need to maintain constructive dialogue and work on agreed areas of cooperation. However, the announcement did not specify any concrete agreements on new contracts or timelines for implementing the discussed initiatives.

A delegation from the Uzbek agency Uzatom visited Minsk, Belarus, on October 27 to hold negotiations with the Minister of Energy of Belarus, Denis Moroz. The main topic of discussion was the participation of Belarusian enterprises in the project of Uzbekistan's integrated nuclear power plant, as well as the localization of energy equipment and the development of industrial cooperation.

These negotiations took place as part of the Uzbek delegation's working trip to Belarus. The parties reviewed prospects for joint work in the field of nuclear energy and opportunities to involve Belarusian specialists and companies in the implementation of Uzbekistan's national program in the field of atomic energy.

Belarus is also providing practical support in selecting qualified personnel for the construction of the nuclear power plant and related infrastructure. According to Moroz, the production of transformer equipment is one of the promising areas for cooperation.

The Belarusian side is ready to study potential partnership between the V. I. Kozlov Minsk Electrical Engineering Plant, Uzatom, and the Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom. The Minister also emphasized the possibilities of expanding industrial cooperation, including equipment supplies and the creation of joint production capacities.

Azim Akhmedkhadzhayev, Director of Uzatom, focused on the importance of working with partners who possess the necessary experience to execute the NPP project. He noted that further joint efforts must strengthen the partnership and lead to tangible results. After the meeting, the parties agreed to continue exchanging proposals on specific areas of cooperation and to define projects for further joint consideration.