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Russia, Kyrgyzstan pledge to intensify energy cooperation

The Russian delegation visiting Kyrgyzstan includes representatives of Gazprom, Inter RAO UES and RusHydro

BISHKEK, March 27 (Itar-Tass) —— Russia and Kyrgyzstan will intensify energy cooperation, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov told a Russian delegation led by Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko.

“We have no disagreements in the energy sector and have reached consent in practically every issue,” Babanov said. Bilateral consultations will be held soon to sign an energy cooperation document, he noted. “Hopefully, the procedures will be complete before April 10. Then agreements will be concluded and their implementation will begin. The sides have settled all disputable issues,” he said.

Russia is interested in building the Kambar-Ata-1 hydropower plant on the Naryn River and a cascade of hydropower power plants in the river’s upper reaches and in acquiring a controlling stake in the Kyrgyzgas Company, Shmatko said. The agreement was reached back in 2009 but the project was frozen by the then Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. Russia planned to invest over $1 billion in the construction of hydropower plants alone.

The Russian delegation visiting Kyrgyzstan includes representatives of Gazprom, Inter RAO UES and RusHydro.