ASTANA, November 9. /TASS/. The launch of the Russian gas transit to Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan plays a key role in ensuring energy security of the Central Asian region, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in a video address to participants of the Russia-Kazakhstan Interregional Cooperation Forum.

"The recent launch of the Russian gas transit to Uzbekistan through Kazakhstan’s territory has become a landmark event. The project plays a key role in strengthening regional stability and energy security of Central Asia," he said.

Kazakhstan and Russia are strategic partners and allies, the president added.

On October 7, the presidents of Russia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan jointly launched the start of Russian gas transit to Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan through the Middle Asia-Center trunk gas pipeline.