Diplomat: Russian gas supplies to Uzbekistan exceed 5 billion cubic metres

Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova has said that supplies of Russian gas to Uzbekistan, which began in October 2023, have exceeded 5 billion cubic metres.

Zakharova made these remarks at the briefing, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media. 

She noted that in 2023, the leaders of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan initiated the supply of Russian natural gas transiting through Kazakhstan as part of a two-year contract between Gazprom and UzGasTrade. 

"To date, the volume of supplies has exceeded 5 billion cubic metres of gas. Moreover, Russian companies such as Gazprom and LUKOIL are successfully implementing several projects to develop gas fields within Uzbekistan. The sides plan to gradually expand cooperation in the gas sector. There are no issues hindering the development of our bilateral energy cooperation," she said.

Zakhrova noted that all issues are being addressed constructively, with energy topics included in the agenda for discussions at both high-level and inter-agency meetings, as well as at the expert level. 

"The prospects for cooperation in this sphere were discussed during meetings held this year, including the state visit of the Russian president from May 26 to 28 and the official visit of the chairman of the Russian government to Uzbekistan on September 9 and 10. These visits included discussions on this topic as well," she stated. 

"Energy cooperation holds a significant position in our bilateral relations, and the foreign ministries of our two countries maintain close contact, rendering the necessary political and diplomatic support for this form of collaboration," the diplomat added.

By Naila Huseynova