The Taliban have granted licences to Uzbek companies to explore and extract hydrocarbon resources, including oil and gas, in Afghanistan. Uzbekistan’s energy minister said that if stability continues, Afghanistan could become his country’s key route to the world’s open seas.
Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, told the Uzbekistan 24 television channel that the Taliban had officially authorised Uzbek companies to carry out exploration and extraction projects in Afghanistan.
He said that on 14 September, work began on developing the Tuti Maden gas field under a 25-year contract signed between the Taliban and the Uzbek company Eriell KAM.
“This is the first phase of the project,” Mirzamakhmudov said. “Depending on the results, work will expand into new areas. The initiative will bring mutual economic benefits to both Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.”
The minister added that sustained peace and infrastructure development in Afghanistan could transform it into a strategic transit hub.
“If peace is established in Afghanistan and its economy and infrastructure develop,” he said, “the country could become the shortest route to the world’s seas, supporting stronger economic growth and expanding Uzbekistan’s logistical capacity.”
Mirzamakhmudov emphasised that peace and stability in Afghanistan are essential not only for Uzbekistan but for all neighbouring and regional countries.
“This is a long-term political and strategic goal,” he said. “Our president understands this reality and believes that step-by-step implementation will bring short-, medium-, and long-term results.”
He also noted that the Afghan people have “deep feelings of friendship and respect” toward Uzbekistan.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has consistently advocated engagement and cooperation with the Taliban government, warning that isolating Afghanistan would harm regional and global interests.
Earlier in September, the Taliban government and Uzbekistan launched joint energy projects worth $250 million, including the construction of new power transmission lines and substations, among them, the 500-kilovolt Surkhan–Pul-e Khumri line and electricity facilities in Nangarhar and Kabul. The projects are expected to be completed by 1 April 2027.
