Afghan and Uzbek officials have discussed technical and financial challenges affecting the development of the Tuti Maidan gas block, with both sides expressing a commitment to resolving outstanding issues and advancing the project.

Mawlavi Ahmad Jan, Senior Adviser for Petroleum Affairs at Afghanistan's Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, held talks with Uzbekistan's Minister of Mines and Industries to review the contract for the Tuti Maidan gas block and address difficulties that have emerged during the project's implementation.

During the meeting, the Afghan side assured Uzbek officials that the Islamic Emirate would provide the necessary facilitation to help resolve the existing problems and support the development of the gas project.

Uzbek officials said that although the contract had been signed between a private company and Afghanistan's Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, Uzbekistan considered the project a matter of state-level importance and responsibility.

They expressed readiness to cooperate with Afghanistan in monitoring the project, providing financing and helping address the technical and financial challenges that have emerged.

The discussions reflect efforts by Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector and ensure the Tuti Maidan project moves forward despite the difficulties surrounding its implementation.

The Tuti Maidan gas block is part of Afghanistan's efforts to develop its domestic energy resources and attract investment into the country's oil and gas sector. For Uzbekistan, cooperation on the project also forms part of its broader economic and energy engagement with Afghanistan. (ILKHA)