Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the launching of Russian gas supplies to Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan during a meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held in Moscow region on Saturday.

"Russia confirms its status as a reliable supplier of natural gas, and we are open to further co-operation and will strive to meet the needs of our Kazakh and Uzbek friends, partners and other interested consumers in this type of fuel," Putin said.

The Russian president expressed hope that the strategic partnership between the three countries will continue to develop and will bring 'tangible results to our peoples'.

For his part, Tokayev noted that the project 'will give a powerful impetus to the industrial development of the countries, improve the business climate and raise the living standards of citizens'.

Mirziyoyev said that the launch of supplies is a vivid example of mutually beneficial co-operation between the three states.

"Its implementation demonstrates our cohesion and ability to respond effectively to the challenges of the global economy, especially in ensuring energy security," the head of Uzbekistan added.

In June, during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, representatives of the three countries signed a contract for the export of Russian gas to Uzbekistan, as well as an agreement on its transportation through Kazakh territory.