Kazakhstan is studying various technologies for the construction of its first commercial nuclear power station and has not ruled out collaborating with Russia, Kazakh energy minister Bolat Akchulakov told reporters on the sidelines of a forum on developing oil and gas engineering.

According to the independent Russia-based news agency Interfax, Mr Akchulakov was asked about the advisability of cooperating with Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom in light of sanctions imposed against Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Akchulakov, who took up the post in January, said: “We are not saying that we intend to build a nuclear power plant with Russia. We are saying that we are studying the technology, natural resources, and conditions. All the available and safest technologies are being considered.”