Photo: dpmea.gov.af
Uzbekistan is prepared to invest $243 million in four energy projects in Afghanistan, including the modernization and construction of substations as well as power transmission lines. The contracts were signed on August 17, according to the press service of Taliban* Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund.
The signing ceremony was attended by leaders of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov.
Under the agreements, the Central Asian republic will invest in several projects. These include the expansion of the 800-megawatt Argandi substation and the construction of the 126 MW Sheikh Mesri substation in Nangarhar. In addition, Uzbek energy specialists will build two power lines: Surkhan–Dasht-e-Alwan and Kabul–Sheikh Mesri.
Once completed, Afghanistan will receive between 800 and 1,000 MW of electricity from its neighbor. All the projects are expected to be finished within a year and a half.
During the talks, Baradar Akhund and Mirzamakhmudov also discussed a wide range of issues related to economic cooperation between the two countries. The Afghan official emphasized that, on the sidelines of the Economic Cooperation Organization summit in Azerbaijan, he had a productive meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, where they discussed political, economic, and trade relations between Kabul and Tashkent.
According to Baradar Akhund, the signing of the energy agreements marks a continuation of developing ties between the two states. He called on partners to give these initiatives special attention and to ensure their timely and high-quality implementation.
Uzbekistan’s energy minister assured the deputy prime minister that the republic is ready to begin work with Afghan companies in the near future. Mirzamakhmudov added that Uzbekistan is also willing to share its expertise in other areas, including agriculture, mining, industry, and healthcare.
*The organization is designated as terrorist and banned in several countries.
