Central, South Asian States Sign Energy Agreement

(RFE/RL) October 30, 2006 -- Kyrgyzstan says it has reached an understanding with Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to develop regional power grids.

Kyrgyzstan's Industry, Trade, and Tourism Ministry says in a statement today a memorandum to that effect has been signed in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe.


The plan would allow Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to export electricity to Pakistan, through Afghanistan. Kyrgyzstan hopes it will also help attract foreign investors to its energy sector.


In related news, Tajikistan's media today reported Pakistani Water and Power Minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi was in Dushanbe on October 28 for talks with President Imomali Rakhmonov.


Both men reportedly agreed that Tajikistan will eventually supply Pakistan with 5,000 megawatts of electricity within a time frame that was not immediately clear.


(AKIpress, 24.kg, Avesta, Asia Plus)

Prague Energy Forum, October 23-24

Prague Energy Forum, October 23-24

An oil refinery in Western Siberia (TASS)

STABILITY AND SECURITY: On October 23-24, RFE/RL and the Warsaw-based Economic forum cosponsored the Prague Energy Forum at RFE/RL's Prague broadcasting center. The Energy Forum brought together nearly 100 experts and policymakers from Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East to discuss key issues of energy supply and security in the years to come.

HIGHLIGHTS: RFE/RL presents some of the key presentations from the Energy Forum and interviews with some participants:

Czech Premier Urges Reduced Energy Dependence On Russia

Interview: Nature A Bigger Threat To Security Than Terrorism

Russia Can Boost Security Through Transparency

Interview: Russian Expert Addresses Europe's Security Concerns

U.S. Official Outlines Concerns About Iran's Nuclear Program

Iranian, Western Experts Spar Over Tehran's Nuclear Ambitions

Experts Ponder Future 'Gas Wars'

Former U.S. Ambassador Says Kyiv Can Cope With Gas Price Rise

Interview: Tbilisi Bent On Energy Independence


MORE: Click on the image to see the conference program, participant list, and other materials.