TASHKENT: Russia will construct a small nuclear energy plant in Uzbekistan, the primary such venture in post-Soviet Central Asia, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev mentioned on Monday at a gathering with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The nuclear deal, if applied, will showcase Russia’s capacity to export not solely energy, but in addition high-tech merchandise to new Asian markets, at a time when the west is growing stress on it via sanctions.
Putin mentioned Russia would put $400 million right into a joint funding fund of $500 million to finance initiatives in Uzbekistan.
Mirziyoyev additionally mentioned Tashkent was occupied with shopping for extra oil and fuel from Russia, a reversal of many years lengthy apply the place Moscow imported hydrocarbons from Central Asia.
The Uzbek president described Putin’s go to as “historic”.
“It heralds the start of a brand new age within the complete strategic partnership and alliance relations between our international locations,” he mentioned.
Putin additionally known as Tashkent Moscow’s “strategic accomplice and dependable ally”.
In response to paperwork revealed by the Kremlin, Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom will construct as much as six nuclear reactors with a capability of 55 megawatts every in Uzbekistan, a a lot smaller-scale venture than the two.4 gigawatts one agreed in 2018 which stays to be finalised.
There aren’t any nuclear energy vegetation in any of the 5 ex Soviet Central Asian republics, though Uzbekistan and its neighbour Kazakhstan, each uranium producers, have lengthy mentioned their rising economies wanted them.
The Kazakh venture, nevertheless, can solely transfer forward after a nationwide referendum which has not but been scheduled.
“Practically all of the main international locations of the world guarantee their vitality safety and sustainable improvement with the assistance of nuclear vitality,” Mirziyoyev mentioned.
Vitality provides
Making the most of Russia’s marketing campaign to redirect its fuel exports to Asia amid a rift with the west over Ukraine, Uzbekistan final October began importing Russian pure fuel by way of the identical pipeline which had beforehand pumped it within the reverse course.
Though its personal fuel manufacturing stays substantial at about 50 billion cubic metres a 12 months, Uzbekistan struggles to totally meet home demand, and Russian provides have allowed it to avert an vitality disaster.
“Gasoline exports are operating nicely forward of schedule and we’re prepared to extend their quantity if wanted,” Putin mentioned.
In response to Mirziyoyev, Tashkent can be eager to extend imports of Russian oil.
The 2 leaders additionally mentioned their governments had been engaged on giant initiatives in mining, metals, and chemical substances.
Uzbekistan, whose financial system relies upon closely on remittances from migrant labourers working in Russia, has maintained shut ties with Moscow after it invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Nevertheless, Mirziyoyev and different leaders within the area have by no means spoken in assist of what the Kremlin calls its particular navy operation in Ukraine, and all international locations within the area are additionally working with the west on initiatives akin to cargo transport routes designed to bypass Russia.
The nuclear deal, if applied, will showcase Russia’s capacity to export not solely energy, but in addition high-tech merchandise to new Asian markets, at a time when the west is growing stress on it via sanctions.
Putin mentioned Russia would put $400 million right into a joint funding fund of $500 million to finance initiatives in Uzbekistan.
Mirziyoyev additionally mentioned Tashkent was occupied with shopping for extra oil and fuel from Russia, a reversal of many years lengthy apply the place Moscow imported hydrocarbons from Central Asia.
The Uzbek president described Putin’s go to as “historic”.
“It heralds the start of a brand new age within the complete strategic partnership and alliance relations between our international locations,” he mentioned.
Putin additionally known as Tashkent Moscow’s “strategic accomplice and dependable ally”.
In response to paperwork revealed by the Kremlin, Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom will construct as much as six nuclear reactors with a capability of 55 megawatts every in Uzbekistan, a a lot smaller-scale venture than the two.4 gigawatts one agreed in 2018 which stays to be finalised.
There aren’t any nuclear energy vegetation in any of the 5 ex Soviet Central Asian republics, though Uzbekistan and its neighbour Kazakhstan, each uranium producers, have lengthy mentioned their rising economies wanted them.
The Kazakh venture, nevertheless, can solely transfer forward after a nationwide referendum which has not but been scheduled.
“Practically all of the main international locations of the world guarantee their vitality safety and sustainable improvement with the assistance of nuclear vitality,” Mirziyoyev mentioned.
Vitality provides
Making the most of Russia’s marketing campaign to redirect its fuel exports to Asia amid a rift with the west over Ukraine, Uzbekistan final October began importing Russian pure fuel by way of the identical pipeline which had beforehand pumped it within the reverse course.
Though its personal fuel manufacturing stays substantial at about 50 billion cubic metres a 12 months, Uzbekistan struggles to totally meet home demand, and Russian provides have allowed it to avert an vitality disaster.
“Gasoline exports are operating nicely forward of schedule and we’re prepared to extend their quantity if wanted,” Putin mentioned.
In response to Mirziyoyev, Tashkent can be eager to extend imports of Russian oil.
The 2 leaders additionally mentioned their governments had been engaged on giant initiatives in mining, metals, and chemical substances.
Uzbekistan, whose financial system relies upon closely on remittances from migrant labourers working in Russia, has maintained shut ties with Moscow after it invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Nevertheless, Mirziyoyev and different leaders within the area have by no means spoken in assist of what the Kremlin calls its particular navy operation in Ukraine, and all international locations within the area are additionally working with the west on initiatives akin to cargo transport routes designed to bypass Russia.
