Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Vladimir Putin launch construction of Uzbekistan’s nuclear power plant (video)

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Russia Vladimir Putin have officially launched the construction of the first power unit of an integrated nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, the Presidential Press Service reported.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi also participated in the ceremony via a teleconference link.

Mirziyoyev expressed gratitude to Putin and Grossi for their personal support of the project and for the attention given to its implementation. He also thanked Uzbek and Russian specialists involved in the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant for their joint efforts and professionalism.

According to the statement, the project marks a new stage in Uzbekistan’s technological, industrial and scientific development and will create a solid foundation for the emergence of a new sector in the country’s economy — nuclear energy. The project incorporates the latest achievements in both small modular nuclear generation and large-scale energy technologies.

The Uzbek leader emphasized that safety remains the project’s absolute and unconditional priority. Construction and commissioning activities are being carried out in accordance with the most advanced international standards and engineering solutions, under the continuous supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

It was also noted that the successful implementation of this major project and its future results are expected to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership and allied relations between Uzbekistan and Russia.

Earlier, during his working visit to St. Petersburg, President Mirziyoyev met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss trade and economic cooperation, major investment projects and joint programs in the energy sector.