BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. Uzbekistan's state
energy company Uzbekneftegaz and China's China National Petroleum
Corporation (CNPC) discussed accelerating efforts to contain and
eliminate a technogenic accident at the Mustaqillikning 25 Yilligi
gas field in Uzbekistan's Surkhandarya region.
This was reflected in the statement by the Uzbekneftgaz.
Uzbekneftegaz Chairman Abdulgani Sanginov held a working meeting
with representatives of China Oilfield Services CCDC, a drilling
company within CNPC, to review progress on preparations for
emergency response operations at the field in the Baysun district,
according to the company.
The talks focused on completing preparatory work needed to begin
practical operations aimed at eliminating the accident as quickly
as possible.
The sides discussed the delivery of specialized drilling rigs,
high-pressure equipment and other technical resources required for
work at the site. They also reviewed plans to deploy qualified
engineers and technical specialists, finalize engineering and
project documentation and ensure the timely launch of emergency
drilling operations.
The companies agreed to strengthen coordination between their
technical teams to improve oversight of each stage of the project,
facilitate rapid technical decision-making and complete the work
within the planned timeframe, Uzbekneftegaz said.
Beyond the immediate emergency response, the meeting also
explored opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in the oil
and gas sector after the accident response is completed. The
parties discussed the potential development of new drilling and
geological exploration projects and reaffirmed their commitment to
strengthening their long-term strategic partnership.
The Mustaqillikning 25 Yilligi field is one of Uzbekistan's key
gas assets, and efforts to restore safe operations remain a
priority for the country's energy sector. Chinese energy companies,
including CNPC and its subsidiaries, have been longstanding
partners of Uzbekistan in upstream oil and gas development,
drilling and energy infrastructure projects.
The latest discussions underscore both sides' intention to
combine emergency response efforts with broader long-term
cooperation in exploration and drilling as Uzbekistan continues to
modernize and expand its energy sector.
