Tokayev Calls for Regional Nuclear Council at Central Asia-Russia Summit

At the second Central Asia-Russia summit held in Dushanbe, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed the creation of a regional council based in Kazakhstan.

This council would concentrate on sharing expertise in the nuclear fuel cycle and managing radioactive waste across the region, The Caspian Post reports, citing The Times of Central Asia.

The proposal follows last year’s national referendum in which over 70% of voters supported building a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan. Since then, the government has selected a site for the first plant and announced plans to construct at least two additional facilities. This summer, Rosatom began construction of the first NPP in the Almaty region in southern Kazakhstan.

Tokayev has previously emphasized the need for Kazakhstan to develop domestic expertise in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, citing international best practices. He expanded on this vision during the Dushanbe summit.

“Cooperation in the nuclear industry will ensure the development of a number of related industries, which is critically important for us,” Tokayev stated.

“We propose to establish a Regional Council of Competencies in the field of the nuclear fuel cycle and radioactive waste management in Kazakhstan. It is important to strengthen the modern research base and the system for training qualified personnel. The first step in this direction has already been taken: a branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI has opened in Almaty,” Tokayev said, referring to the Moscow-based institute that has conducted nuclear research since 1953.

He added that Kazakhstan intends to continue developing this sector in cooperation with research institutions from both countries.

Tokayev also highlighted recent progress in regional energy integration, citing the trilateral gas union between Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan as a key development in ensuring stable gas supplies for both citizens and industry.

“An important document on cooperation in the gas sector between Kazakhstan and Russia was signed recently in St. Petersburg,” he said, referencing a memorandum with Gazprom on the construction of a new gas pipeline from Russia to Kazakhstan to support domestic gasification.

The president also underscored the strategic role of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which transported approximately 63 million tons of Kazakh oil to Europe in 2024. He noted the increasing significance of the so-called eastern vector for hydrocarbon exports.

“Kazakhstan serves as a transit corridor for Russian oil to China, with volumes reaching up to 10 million tons per year. In 2024, deliveries have already surpassed this level. Given this momentum, there is potential to further increase capacity,” Tokayev said.