Uzbek companies have been granted official licenses to carry out geological exploration and extract hydrocarbons in Afghanistan, according to Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov.
The announcement highlights growing energy cooperation between the two neighboring countries, The Caspian Post report, citing Uzbek media.
Mirzamakhmudov emphasized Afghanistan’s strategic importance to Uzbekistan and referenced comments from Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar, who expressed strong appreciation for Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's regional engagement.
According to Mirzamakhmudov, the interim government of Afghanistan issued a license to Uzbek companies to carry out geological exploration and hydrocarbon extraction projects in the country. He made the announcement in an interview with the Uzbekistan 24 TV channel.
The minister recalled that on September 14, the two sides launched work on developing the Tuti-Maidan gas field. The ceremony was attended by the head of Uzbekneftegaz and the first deputy minister of energy. The 25-year contract for the project was signed by the Uzbek company Eriell KAM.
“This will be the first stage. Depending on its results, the project is expected to expand to new sites through joint work. It is an initiative that will bring mutual economic benefits to both Uzbekistan and Afghanistan,” said the energy minister.
Mirzamakhmudov emphasized that stability and infrastructure development in Afghanistan could provide Uzbekistan with access to the world’s oceans:
“If peace prevails there in the future, and the economy and infrastructure continue to develop, Afghanistan could become our shortest transit route to the global ocean. This would allow us to make greater use of our potential for further economic growth and logistics,” he explained.
He noted that peace and stability in Afghanistan are vital not only for Uzbekistan but for all neighboring and regional countries.
“I believe this is a long-term political and strategic goal. Our president truly understands and envisions it. As he often says, implementing this process step by step, firmly and consistently, yields results today, tomorrow, and in the long run,” Mirzamakhmudov said.
The minister added that the Afghan people’s genuine attitude toward Uzbekistan is evident in every dialogue.
“The Afghan people’s warmth toward Uzbekistan and the Uzbek nation is visible in their eyes. In every discussion, they express the affection they feel in response to the compassion our president shows toward the Afghan people,” Mirzamakhmudov stated.
He also shared a quote from his recent meeting with acting Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund:
“When I last visited, Mr. Mullah Baradar - the current deputy prime minister - told me one thing: ‘I was able to meet the president in Azerbaijan. In that meeting, in his eyes, in his words, and in his current actions, I can see his affection for Afghanistan and its people,’” the minister recalled.
Earlier in September, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan also launched joint energy projects worth $250 million, including the construction of new power transmission lines and substations such as the 500 kV Surkhan - Pul-i Khumri line and facilities in Nangarhar and Kabul. The projects are expected to be completed by April 1, 2027.
