Russia agrees to build nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan

(Patria) - Russia will build a small nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, the first in post-Soviet Central Asia, announced Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

The Russian president arrived in Tashkent, and together with his host, Uzbek President Mirziyoyev, will discuss bilateral cooperation in politics, trade, economy and culture, according to the Russian news agency Tass.

Mirziyoyev said at the meeting that Russia will build a small nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, Reuters reports, adding that the two leaders did not provide details about the nuclear project.

According to documents released by the Kremlin, the Russian state nuclear technology company Rosatom will build up to six nuclear reactors with a capacity of 55 megawatts in Uzbekistan.

By implementing this project, Russia would demonstrate that it can offer sophisticated technological products to new Asian markets, in addition to energy resources, despite the pressure of Western sanctions, Reuters notes.

No former Soviet republic in Central Asia has a nuclear power plant, but Uzbekistan and neighboring Kazakhstan produce uranium and have long considered building them.

The Russian president announced $400 million in investments in a joint investment fund to finance projects in Uzbekistan. Its total value is expected to amount to $500 million.

Tashkent, according to President Mirziyoyev, is also interested in purchasing larger quantities of Russian oil and gas. In past decades, the roles were reversed and Central Asia exported hydrocarbons to Russia.

Taking advantage of Russia's search for new customers after losing those in the West, Uzbekistan began importing Russian natural gas last October.

Although it still produces significant amounts, around 50 billion cubic meters per year, it barely covers domestic demand and, thanks to shipments from Russia, has eliminated the threat of an energy crisis.

- Exports (of gas) are significantly lower than planned and we are ready to increase their volume if necessary - said the Russian president.

Tashkent, according to President Mirziyoyev, also wants to import Russian oil.

The two leaders also emphasized that their governments are working on major projects in mining, metallurgy and the chemical industry.