Central Asia and Russia agree on joint energy cooperation platform

Central Asian countries and Russia have agreed to establish a joint working group on energy cooperation following expert consultations held under the “Central Asia – Russia” format, the Russian Ministry of Energy has announced.

Photo: RIA Novosti

According to the ministry, the decision was taken after expert-level consultations hosted by the Russian Foreign Ministry, in which Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin participated. The new working group will focus on strengthening cooperation in the fuel and energy sector and coordinating joint initiatives.

Discussions during the consultations centered on the implementation of the joint action plan for 2025–2027, which was adopted following the second “Central Asia – Russia” summit held in Dushanbe on 9 October. Participants also reviewed initiatives proposed by the leaders of Central Asian states during the summit.

As a result of the talks, the parties agreed to establish an energy working group at the level of deputy ministers. The group will provide a six-party platform for addressing cooperation issues across the fuel and energy complex.

The working group will include representatives of energy authorities from Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Its members are expected to engage in systematic efforts to implement the action plan endorsed by the heads of state.

“The working group participants will carry out coordinated work to ensure the effective implementation of the measures approved by our leaders,” Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin was quoted as saying.