Turkmenistan increases natural gas exports to Uzbekistan

Turkmenistan has agreed to increase its natural gas supplies to Uzbekistan. This decision was reached during a telephone conversation on December 5 between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan.  

Both leaders emphasized the importance of their ongoing cooperation in the gas sector, highlighting its strategic and long-term nature. As part of this collaboration, they agreed to expand Turkmenistan's gas exports to Uzbekistan.  

The conversation also addressed bilateral efforts in water management. Berdimuhamedov reiterated Turkmenistan's stance on resolving Central Asia’s water issues through adherence to international legal norms, ensuring the interests of all regional countries, and involving international organizations, particularly the United Nations. President Mirziyoyev expressed agreement with Turkmenistan’s approach, emphasizing the alignment of both nations’ perspectives on the matter.  

For context, in October, Turkmenistan halted its natural gas supply to the Russian company Gazprom due to unresolved negotiations over fuel pricing.