Kyrgyzstan backs regional oil refinery to strengthen Central Asia's fuel security

Kyrgyzstan has expressed support for the construction of a regional oil refinery serving Central Asia, a project officials say could strengthen the region's long-term fuel security.

Speaking at the Russian-Kyrgyz Economic Forum, Artem Novikov, Chairman of Board of Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund, said the proposed refinery would help establish a more resilient regional energy framework, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kyrgyz media.

"This will help establish a sustainable regional mechanism for fuel security," Novikov said.

He added that Russia could play a pivotal role in the project's implementation, citing the country's extensive expertise in refinery construction and operation.

Novikov also underscored the importance of expanding regional energy cooperation beyond the oil sector.

"It is equally important to strengthen energy cooperation. Nuclear power plant projects in the countries of the region could become the foundation of a common electricity market," he said.

By Vafa Guliyeva