Baku, August 29, AZERTAC

In order to accelerate the processes related to the development of the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan energy cooperation, a meeting was held between Parviz Shahbazov, the Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan and Azim Akhmedkhadzhaev, the First Deputy Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan, Acting Minister.

During the meeting, discussions were held on ensuring the implementation of agreements on cooperation in the field of energy and the instructions during the visit of the head of state to Uzbekistan in June this year.

Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov stressed the importance of mutual assessment of wide opportunities for energy cooperation and the establishment of joint partnerships in the period of new realities, where the basis for the comprehensive development of relations between the two countries with common historical and cultural values is laid. The minister noted that the historic state visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan actualized the deepening of the strategic partnership in the energy sector. The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the relevant ministries of the two countries in Tashkent, today's discussions and the road map of the joint activities on energy will contribute to the implementation of results-oriented measures and the development of multi-spectrum energy cooperation.

Azim Akhmedkhadzhaev, who said that there are important tasks ahead in the new stage of bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, noted that Uzbek and Azerbaijani experts` experiences in the renewable energy and hydrocarbon sector, the traditional friendly relations of the two countries and joint efforts will serve the development of the energy sector and the economy in general in both countries.

During the meeting, a roadmap on expanding of the energy cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan was signed. The roadmap covers 30 areas, including the creation of a joint working group, cooperation in the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the participation of Uzbek companies in renewable energy projects, as well as joint activities in the hydrocarbon sector. According to the document, along with the energy transition and decarbonization, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan will cooperate on export and import of oil and gas and chemical products, oil refining, as well as geological exploration and hydrocarbon production. It is also planned to share best experiences in the fields of construction of new thermal power plants, heat supply, liberalization of energy markets, efficient use of energy resources, organize joint trainings, promote mutual investments, and cooperation between Energy Regulatory Agencies at the expense of private investment.

Measures on the roadmap are planned to be implemented in 2022-2023.