The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Uzbekistani media reported that Afghanistan’s leadership has granted licenses to Uzbek companies for geological exploration and development of the country’s hydrocarbon resources, Uzbekistan’s energy minister said.
In an interview with the “Uzbekistan 24” television channel,
Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov said work began Sept. 14 at the
Tuti-Maydon gas field in Afghanistan.
According to Mirzamakhmudov, the 25-year project will be
carried out by the Uzbek company Eriell KAM. He said the initiative is expected
to strengthen economic ties between the two neighbors and could help Uzbekistan
gain access to seaports by improving regional infrastructure and stability.
“The development of infrastructure and the consolidation of
stability in Afghanistan will open the shortest route for Uzbekistan to reach
seaports and create new opportunities in transit and logistics,” Mirzamakhmudov
said.
He added that Afghanistan’s peaceful and stable development
is vital not only for Uzbekistan but for the entire region. According to him,
the Afghan people value Tashkent’s support and good-neighborly relations and
have expressed sincere gratitude.
Earlier, Uzbek authorities announced that 99.5% of the
state’s share in the Shargunkomir coal company had been put up for public
auction.
