Energy key area of cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan - prime minister

TASHKENT. June 17 (Interfax) - Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin identified energy as a key area of cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan and advocated for implementing new mutually beneficial initiatives in this economic sector.

"There are many areas for expanding cooperation, and coordinated work on each can bring maximum returns to the national economies and tangible benefits to the citizens of Russia and Uzbekistan. This is primarily energy," Mishustin said on Wednesday at the plenary session of the Tashkent International Investment Forum.

Mishustin recalled that "domestic companies are supplying energy to Uzbekistan, developing a network of gas stations in the country, a joint drilling control center has been established, and a large-scale project to reconstruct the Central Asia-Center gas pipeline is underway, which will increase its capacity."

"New hydrocarbon deposits are being developed," Mishustin added.

Mishustin also recalled that on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev launched the construction of the first power unit of an integrated nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, based on a Russian design. Furthermore, the Mishustin noted that Russian engineers are supporting the construction of Uzbekistan's largest hydroelectric power plants.

"All of this contributes to a stable supply of energy resources for residents and businesses and gives impetus to related industries. And more such examples of mutually beneficial initiatives can and should emerge," Mishustin emphasized.