A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Energy and Water and the Mes Aynak contracting company (MCC-JCL) for feasibility, geophysical, and geotechnical studies of the Baghdara Dam.

This agreement was signed today, on the 11th of Qaws 1403 (December 1, 2024), in the meeting hall of the Ministry, in the presence of the Acting Minister of Energy and Water, H.E. Alhaj Mulla Abdul Latif Mansoor, and the Chairman of the Mes Aynak contracting company (MCC-JCL), Mr. Song Wenbing. Also attending the event were the Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan, Mr. Zhao Xing, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Sheikh Zia ur-Rahman, and several directors of the Ministry of Energy and Water.

In the signing ceremony, the Acting Minister of Energy and Water highlighted the importance of the Baghdara Dam in providing the necessary electricity for the Mes Aynak project in Logar Province. He emphasized that the implementation of the Baghdara Dam project would be a significant achievement in the joint cooperation between Afghanistan and China.

H.E. Mansoor stressed the importance of expanding cooperation between China and Afghanistan and assured the Chinese Ambassador and MCC officials that the current environment in Afghanistan is fully conducive to investment. He affirmed the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to supporting such initiatives.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Sheikh Zia ur-Rahman, noted during the ceremony that Afghanistan is rich in mineral resources. He expressed gratitude that the Islamic Emirate has now created favorable conditions to utilize these resources for the country’s development and prosperity.

In continuation of the event, the Chinese Ambassador and the Chairman of MCC each praised the good relations between Afghanistan and China. They regarded the signing of this agreement as a positive step towards further collaboration between the two countries.

It is noteworthy that, according to this MoU, the company will conduct feasibility, geophysical, and geotechnical studies within eight months, while the Ministry of Energy and Water will cooperate with the company as per the agreement’s terms.