Afghanistan, Uzbekistan Hold Strategic Energy Talks to Deepen Cooperation

DID Press: Officials from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have held high-level talks aimed at expanding strategic cooperation in the energy sector, with both sides emphasizing power infrastructure development, technical capacity building, and the formulation of a long-term joint energy roadmap.

The meeting was chaired by Mullah Abdul Haq Hamkar, head of Afghanistan’s national power utility, alongside Umid Muhammadaminov, Sheikh Mawlawi Abdul Ghafar Bahr, and senior officials from both countries.

According to Afghanistan’s national power utility, the discussions focused on expanding electricity generation, transmission and distribution networks, strengthening technical and engineering cooperation, deploying smart metering systems, and advancing long-term energy planning.

Uzbekistan reaffirmed its readiness to support Afghanistan in electricity generation, transmission and distribution projects, as well as in enhancing the country’s technical capabilities.

Hamkar welcomed Uzbekistan’s proposals and stressed the need for a practical roadmap to guide bilateral cooperation. He said Afghanistan’s priority extends beyond electricity imports to strengthening domestic power generation, transmission and distribution capacity through comprehensive technical studies and a national energy strategy.

The two sides also reviewed progress on the 500-kilovolt Surkhan–Pul-e-Khumri power transmission project and agreed to accelerate its implementation. Uzbekistan’s deputy energy minister further announced plans to prepare a comprehensive 15-year energy development program for Afghanistan.