Afghanistan, Uzbekistan Partner on Major Energy Initiatives

Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have signed contracts worth $243 million to implement four major energy projects aimed at strengthening Afghanistan’s electricity supply.

The agreements were signed in Kabul in the presence of Acting Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, The Caspian Post informs, citing Kazakh media.

The projects are expected to be completed within 18 months.

The initiatives include the expansion of the Surhan-Dasht-e-Alwan transmission line, the Arghandi substation to 800 MVA, construction of the Sheikh Mesri substation in Nangarhar province, and the expansion of the 220 kV Kabul-Nangarhar transmission line.

DABS CEO Abdul Bari Omar called the agreements critical for ensuring a reliable electricity supply. The Afghan utility also signed a 10-year electricity purchase agreement with Uzbek companies.

Earlier, Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan signed a roadmap and memorandum of understanding to enhance trade and economic cooperation during an Afghan delegation visit to Bishkek.