Events

Moscow, Russian Federation

As part of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's working visit to the Russian Federation, a ceremony was held to launch the transit of Russian gas through Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan via the Central Asia-Center gas pipeline.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in a formal ceremony along with the Kazakhstan President.

In his address, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that this historic event begins a brand new chapter in good-neighborly relations between the countries, raising strategic cooperation and collaboration in the energy sector of Kazakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan to a new level.

– The gas industry plays a major role, if not special role, in the sustainable socio-economic progress of our countries. Therefore, this project meets the interests of all parties involved. Kazakhstan completed the preparation of the main gas pipeline across its territory on time and in full. The project will ensure diversification of Russian gas export supplies, contribute to the expansion and modernization of Kazakhstan's gas transportation infrastructure and meet Uzbekistan's growing demand for up to 3 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. It will also give an impetus to the industrial development of our countries, improve the business climate and raise the living standards of citizens, – the Kazakh Leader said.

The President Tokayev emphasized the role of the project in strengthening regional stability and energy security in Central Asia.

– More than 20 thousand kilometres of the main gas pipelines with an annual flow capacity of up to 255 billion cubic meters pass through territory of our country. Kazakhstan is interested in fully utilizing its transit potential and is ready to further increase the volume of Russian gas transportation, – the President noted.

In conclusion, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanked Vladimir Putin for his personal contribution to the promotion of the most important transnational project and expressed gratitude to Shavkat Mirziyoyev for his extensive support. The Kazakh leader also indicated the professional and responsible joint work of Kazakh, Russian and Uzbek specialists in the gas industry.

Presidents Vladimir Putin and Shavkat Mirziyoyev also delivered speeches at the launching ceremony.

During a teleconference, Minister of Energy Almassadam Satkaliyev reported from the Makat compressor station in Atyrau region on the readiness of the Kazakh part of the Central Asia – Center gas pipeline. Simultaneous online connections were established from the Karakalpakiya gas metering station in Uzbekistan, the Alexandrov Gai compressor station in the Saratov region, and the Lakhta Centre in Saint Petersburg, from where Uzbek and Russian gas specialists reported that all preparatory work had been completed.

After all, the leaders authorised the launch of Russian gas transit to Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan.