US proposes nuclear power technology collaboration with Uzbekistan  

The United States has expressed interest in working with Uzbekistan to invest in civil nuclear energy technologies. This was announced by US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce following a telephone conversation between Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 21.  

“The United States looks forward to working with Uzbekistan, highlighting the significant mineral resources and mutually beneficial opportunities for investment in US civil nuclear energy technologies,” the official press release stated.  

The US Secretary of State also discussed with Uzbekistan the security of Central Asia.

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“Secretary of State Marco Rubio today, in a conversation with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, stressed the US support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Uzbekistan. Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Saidov discussed continuing cooperation, including through the C5+1 diplomatic platform, to support a more peaceful and prosperous Central Asia,” the report said.

Additionally, the US Secretary of State expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan’s cooperation in curbing illegal migration and joint efforts to combat terrorism.

For reference, last summer, Uzbekistan signed a protocol with Russia for the construction of a small-scale nuclear power plant in Jizzakh. The project, with a total capacity of 330 MW (six 55 MW units), will be built with Rosatom as the main contractor, while local companies will also be involved. The nuclear plant is expected to be commissioned in stages between 2029 and 2033.  

It should be noted that Bakhtiyor Saidov previously acknowledged his conversation with Marco Rubio. However, his statement did not reference US nuclear power technology proposals or discussions on illegal migration.