Uzbekistan and the European Union are discussing the possibility of establishing energy alliances. The matter was discussed by Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov and Marosh Shefchovich, the vice-president of the European Commission, on May 18.
As reported by Azerbaijan’s daily newspaper AzerNews, Kamilov discussed a state programme aimed at structurally reforming the energy sector and modernising and diversifying production between now and 2019. He said the programme foresees the implementation of 870 huge investment projects worth $38bn.
The May 18 meeting was held in order to discuss the implementation of a 2011 Memorandum of Understanding between the EU and Uzbekistan on cooperation in the energy field.
According to AzerNews, Uzbekistan’s geographical location in Central Asia makes it a real option for the EU’s efforts to diversify energy supplies.
Uzbekistan, one of the top 10 gas producing countries in the world, has some 1.68 trillion cubic metres of natural gas, according to the British Petroleum data.
http://www.neurope.eu/article/uzbekistan-energises-relations-with-eu/