Lukashenko Says Belarus Ready to Help Uzbekistan Build Nuclear Power Plant
Belarus is ready to assist Uzbekistan in building a nuclear power plant and training specialists for the country’s emerging nuclear energy sector, President Alexander Lukashenko said during a meeting with Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Belarus, Rakhmatulla Nazarov.
According to the Belarusian president’s press service, the discussion took place on March 9 in Minsk and covered a wide range of issues ahead of a planned visit by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Belarus.
Lukashenko said relations between the two countries were developing steadily and that the upcoming visit could mark an important stage in expanding bilateral cooperation.
“My very good friend Shavkat Miromonovich [Mirziyoyev] and I have much to discuss,” Lukashenko said at the beginning of the meeting. “By the time of his visit, we will update our agenda and develop plans for the near and medium term.”
The Belarusian leader noted that both countries are working toward increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion in the coming years. He said such a target was realistic because the two economies complement rather than compete with each other.
“Everything we know how to produce, from agriculture to machine building, is needed by the densely populated Uzbek state,” Lukashenko said, according to Belarusian media.
Among the areas of potential cooperation, Lukashenko highlighted agriculture, industrial production, and nuclear energy. He said Belarus was prepared to share technologies, provide training, and support joint projects.
“We know about your interest in our specialists in building a nuclear power plant,” Lukashenko said during the meeting. “We acquired these competencies thanks to cooperation with Russia. If it suits you, come at any time. Your representatives can meet with our specialists, and we will facilitate the construction of your nuclear power station.”
Belarus has gained experience in nuclear energy through its cooperation with Russia on the Astravets nuclear power plant, which began operating in recent years.
Lukashenko said Belarusian specialists currently work with Russian partners on nuclear projects in several countries.
He emphasized that cooperation in nuclear energy and other sectors would be mutually beneficial, noting the size of Uzbekistan’s market and its rapidly growing economy.
Lukashenko also praised Uzbekistan’s recent development efforts. “We see how Uzbekistan is drawing experience and expertise from around the world,” he said, adding that Belarus is ready to contribute to training specialists and developing technology in different sectors.
The Belarusian president also said his country remains open to Uzbek workers seeking employment in Belarus, noting that migrant workers are offered access to education and social services on equal terms with local residents.
In August last year, officials from Uzbekistan’s Uzatom Atomic Energy Agency met with Belarusian Energy Minister Denis Moroz in Minsk to discuss potential collaboration in nuclear infrastructure development, specialist training, and radioactive waste management. During those talks, Belarus expressed readiness to share its experience as Uzbekistan develops its national nuclear energy program.
