Afghanistan has granted official licenses to Uzbek companies to conduct geological research in Afghanistan and extract hydrocarbon resources such as oil and gas, TOLOnews reported.
The Afghan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum confirmed the cooperation, saying that several contracts have been signed with both domestic and foreign companies — particularly with Uzbek companies — for oil and gas exploration and extraction.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, these agreements are a clear indication of growing economic relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Homayoon Afghan, also stated: “This agreement is a clear sign of the relationship between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. The Islamic Emirate wants to maintain good relations with countries and create opportunities for investment within the country.”
According to the ministry, the gas exploration and extraction contract for the Toti Midan area has been signed with an Uzbek company, which is currently in the exploration phase. The ministry added that Toti Midan is one of Afghanistan’s major natural gas sources, and after the completion of the exploration phase, the extraction process will also begin.
