Construction has begun on Uzbekistan's first nuclear power plant, according to the country's presidential press service.

The launch ceremony was conducted via video link between the construction site in central Uzbekistan and St. Petersburg, where Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly gave the order to start work on the plant's first unit.

Mirziyoyev said the facility would make a significant contribution to Uzbekistan's electricity supply once it reaches full operational capacity.

According to the presidential press service, construction and preparations for the plant's operation are being carried out in line with standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, head of Uzbekistan's atomic energy agency Uzatom, said the project's estimated base cost is around $9.5 billion.