MOSCOW, October 6 The Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation Nikolay Shulginov and the Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Zhurabek Mirzamakhmudov signed an agreement between the governments of the two countries on expanding cooperation in the field of oil supplies, it became known known at the ceremony of signing documents following the negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the Kremlin.
In addition, the Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Vitaly Savelyev and the Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan Ilkhom Makhkamov signed an agreement on the supply of petroleum products by rail.
Shulginov later explained to reporters that one agreement with Uzbekistan on petroleum products implies ensuring uninterrupted supply, while petroleum products will be supplied by one company. And the second agreement — on the supply of petroleum products by rail — is necessary for companies to have priority for deliveries by rail.
Also following the negotiations between Putin and Mirziyoyev, the Russian leader said that on Saturday together with Mirziyoyev will take part in the launch ceremony of Russian gas supplies to Uzbekistan through Kazakhstan.
«Gas supplies to Uzbekistan are needed to ensure energy security in Central Asia. Last winter there were problems in Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. Energy shortages even led to blackouts of the population. This cannot be allowed again. I think this is a timely decision: to use the existing infrastructure — «Central Asia — Center», which previously worked in the opposite direction,» said the head of the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation.
In addition, according to Shulginov, different options for nuclear power plants in Uzbekistan, both high and low power, are being discussed.