Russian President Putin and Uzbek President Mirziyoyev shake hands at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (Photo by Kremlin Pool Photo via AP/Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik)
INDO-PACIFIC
Russia and Uzbekistan Sign Agreement to Build First Nuclear Power Plant
On May 27th, Russia committed $400 million to a $500 million joint fund with Uzbekistan to expand natural gas imports while also signing an accord to build a nuclear power plant. The move reflects Russia's continuing investment in Asian energy markets. Uzbekistan will also begin importing more natural gas into the country. The power plant is the first to be built in Central Asia, giving Russia a leg-up as regional powers compete for influence.