Cooperation with Russia's Gazprom is not opposed to Uzbekistan's interests but benefits the republic in difficult times. This was stated on Thursday by Vice-Speaker of the Legislative (Lower) Chamber of Uzbekistan Alisher Kadyrov.
On January 24, the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan and Gazprom signed a road map on cooperation. Following that, local media outlets published reports that the document allegedly envisaged the transfer of the republic's gas transportation system to Gazprom's jurisdiction and that this threatened its sovereignty.
"I talked to the energy and foreign ministers about the details of Gazprom's road map. These people are doing serious and useful work in the interests of our country in difficult times. This work does not compromise our national interests, but only benefits us. When this multilateral deal will be completed, detailed information will be provided, this is business etiquette, not a secret," the deputy speaker wrote in his Telegram channel.
Earlier, it was reported that a roadmap on cooperation in the gas industry was also signed with Kazakhstan.
Presidents of Russia and Kazakhstan Vladimir Putin and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed the creation of a "triple gas union" with Uzbekistan during a meeting in the Kremlin on November 28. At the same time, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained that the first stage would involve the creation of a coordination mechanism at the initiative of the Russian president. Later it became known that it was a question of cooperation in processing and supply of gas, including the new export destinations. For this purpose, it is necessary to develop the gas infrastructure of the three countries, including the creation of a more extensive gas network in Russia at a cost of 260 billion rubles.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS