On October 6, a delegation led by the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Colonel General Ruslan Zhaksylykov paid a visit to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry.

The Kazakh delegation first visited the graves of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev and prominent ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva in the Alley of Honor and laid flowers.

In the Alley of Shehids (Martyrs) the guests laid flowers at the graves of Shehids, who sacrificed their lives for the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. They laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument.

Then the Azerbaijan Defense Ministry hosted a solemn welcoming ceremony, and Azerbaijani and Kazakh Defense Ministers passed along the guard of honor. The national anthems of both countries accompanied by the military orchestra were performed. In accordance with the protocol, Colonel General Ruslan Zhaksylykov signed the “Book of Honor”.

At the expanded meeting, Azerbaijan Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov welcomed the guests and expressed his satisfaction with seeing them in Azerbaijan. The Minister emphasized that the bilateral military cooperation between the two countries is based on friendship and fraternal relations.

The Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality. The Kazakh Defense Minister congratulated his colleague on the restoration of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan prayed Almighty Allah for the repose of the souls of the Shehids (Martyrs) and expressed deep condolences to their relatives.

Colonel General R. Zhaksylykov expressed satisfaction with the current state of military cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, the sides emphasized the importance of the “Khazri-2023” Joint Tactical Exercises held in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea with the participation of warships and military personnel of the Naval Forces. The importance of the conducted exercises in terms of increasing the professionalism of servicemen was noted.

It was pointed out that the exchange of mutual experience in the army development of both countries is of special importance.

The sides discussed the development prospects of cooperation between the two countries in the military, military-technical, and military educational fields, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

In the end, the “Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2024” was signed.

After the meeting, the delegation attended the Cybersecurity Hub of the Azerbaijan Army’s General Staff, the Central Command Posts of the Azerbaijan Defense Ministry, and the Air Force. The visitors got acquainted with the general work done there.

Source: Azer News

The post Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan Discuss Prospects for Development of Military Cooperation appeared first on Tashkent Citizen.

Tajikistan’s Energy Efficiency Initiatives: Progress and Prospects

Tajikistan, a landlocked country in Central Asia, has been making significant strides in improving its energy efficiency and reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels. With abundant hydropower resources, the country has the potential to become a regional leader in clean energy production. In recent years, the government of Tajikistan has implemented various energy efficiency initiatives to capitalize on this potential and promote sustainable development.

One of the key factors driving Tajikistan’s focus on energy efficiency is the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels, particularly natural gas. In the past, Tajikistan has faced energy shortages and supply disruptions due to its dependence on imported gas from neighboring countries. This has led to a greater emphasis on developing domestic energy resources, particularly hydropower, which accounts for over 90% of the country’s electricity generation.

In order to harness its hydropower potential, Tajikistan has been investing in the construction of new hydropower plants and the modernization of existing facilities. The Rogun Dam, currently under construction, is expected to be the world’s tallest dam upon completion and will significantly increase the country’s hydropower capacity. Additionally, the government has been working to improve the efficiency of existing hydropower plants through the implementation of modern technologies and equipment.

Apart from large-scale hydropower projects, Tajikistan has also been promoting small-scale renewable energy solutions, such as solar and wind power. These decentralized energy sources can provide electricity to remote and off-grid communities, reducing their reliance on imported fossil fuels and promoting sustainable development. The government has introduced various incentives and subsidies to encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies, including tax exemptions and preferential tariffs for renewable energy producers.

Energy efficiency measures have also been implemented in various sectors of the economy, including industry, agriculture, and residential buildings. In the industrial sector, the government has been promoting the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and equipment, as well as the implementation of energy management systems. This has led to significant energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions in industries such as cement production, mining, and metallurgy.

In the agricultural sector, the government has been promoting the use of energy-efficient irrigation systems and the modernization of agricultural machinery. This has not only led to energy savings but also improved water management and increased agricultural productivity. Moreover, the government has been working to improve the energy efficiency of residential buildings through the implementation of building codes and standards, as well as the promotion of energy-efficient appliances and lighting.

Despite these efforts, Tajikistan still faces several challenges in achieving its energy efficiency goals. One of the main challenges is the lack of adequate financing for energy efficiency projects, particularly in the private sector. Limited access to capital and high upfront costs often deter private investors from investing in energy efficiency measures. To address this issue, the government has been working with international organizations and development partners to secure funding and technical assistance for energy efficiency projects.

Another challenge is the lack of awareness and capacity among stakeholders, including policymakers, businesses, and consumers, about the benefits of energy efficiency and the available technologies and solutions. To overcome this barrier, the government has been implementing various awareness-raising campaigns and capacity-building programs, targeting different sectors of the economy.

In conclusion, Tajikistan has made significant progress in improving its energy efficiency and reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels. The country’s abundant hydropower resources and the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable development provide a solid foundation for further progress in this area. However, addressing the challenges of financing and capacity-building will be crucial for the successful implementation of energy efficiency initiatives and the realization of Tajikistan’s clean energy potential.

Source: Energy Portal

The post Tajikistan’s Energy Efficiency Initiatives: Progress and Prospects appeared first on Tashkent Citizen.