Afghanistan Seeks Rise in Uzbek Power Supplies

Text of report by corporate-owned Russian news agency Interfax

Tashkent, 20 August: Afghanistan expects an increase in electricity supplies from Uzbekistan.

“With the aim of supplying electricity to Afghan provinces, we are interested in increasing its [electricity] import from Uzbekistan,” Afghan Minister of Water and Energy Mohammad Esmail Khan, who arrived in Tashkent on 19 August, has told journalists.

Talks started today between the Afghan delegation led by the minister of water and energy and representatives of the Uzbekenergo [Uzbek Energy] state joint-stock company.

The sides are discussing prospects for increasing electricity supplies from Uzbekistan to Afghanistan. A relevant memorandum of understanding in this sphere was signed between the two countries in late 2006. A joint expert group has been set up and it is working.

Mohammad Esmail Khan said that the construction of a power transmission line, which will link Kabul and Khayraton city on the border with Uzbekistan, was being completed in the territories of five provinces. The Khayraton (Afghanistan) and Surxon (Uzbekistan) border substations are also being built as part of the project.

It is noted that if necessary agreements are reached, and the electricity supply from Uzbekistan to Afghanistan will significantly increase once these facilities are put into operation.

Originally published by Interfax news agency, Moscow, in Russian 1537 20 Aug 08.

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