SCO energy ministers agree to develop concept for energy consortium
TASHKENT. June 19 (Interfax) - The energy ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries have agreed to begin preparing a concept for the creation of an energy consortium of the organization's member states, the Uzbek Energy Ministry said.
"A corresponding agreement was reached following a meeting of the SCO energy ministers in Bishkek. Uzbek Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov took part in the event. The meeting's participants discussed further developing cooperation in the energy sector, improving energy efficiency, introducing resource-saving technologies, using renewable energy sources and training personnel," the ministry said.
Speaking at the meeting, Mirzamakhmudov recalled the initiative of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to create an energy consortium of SCO member states, put forward at the summit of the organization's Council of Heads of State in Tianjin.
"As part of the initiative, a draft concept for the creation of an energy consortium of SCO member states was presented. It was noted that the consortium would become an open and practice-oriented mechanism for coordinating joint initiatives, strengthening energy security, and expanding cooperation in the energy sector. Following the discussion, the parties agreed to jointly finalize and prepare this document," the ministry said.
In addition, at the initiative of the Kyrgyz side, it was proposed that a regional center be created in Bishkek for introducing energy-efficient and resource-saving technologies for SCO states.
The meeting's participants paid special attention to the effective use of the region's hydropower potential, ensuring energy security, and promoting sustainable energy development.
The Azerbaijani Energy Ministry, in turn, said that the country's deputy energy minister, Kamal Abbasov, who participated in the meeting, stated Baku's interest in expanding energy cooperation with SCO countries and emphasized Azerbaijan's role as a reliable energy partner and an important transit hub.
"During the meeting, the strategic importance of the Central Asia - Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor project was also noted, which is designed to strengthen energy interconnectivity between Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Turkey and China. The meeting's participants expressed support for Kyrgyzstan's accession to this initiative," the ministry said.
