President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf and senior executives of British Petroleum Ariel Flores and Giovanni Cristofoli on May 13, with agreement reached on the opening of a SOCAR representative office in Uzbekistan to strengthen institutional cooperation.
The meeting, held during the Uzbekistan Energy Week – 2026 forum, focused on expanding cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in oil and gas exploration, production, and processing. The companies involved are among the key international partners in Uzbekistan’s energy industry.
The parties noted ongoing cooperation in hydrocarbon resource development on the Ustyurt Plateau, where SOCAR is involved in joint projects with Uzbekneftegaz and BP. Continued development of these projects was highlighted, including potential long-term arrangements for oil and petroleum product supply and collaboration in training industry personnel.
The participation of British Petroleum in large-scale energy projects in Uzbekistan was also noted, with emphasis on its role in upstream activities and joint development initiatives.
Rovshan Najaf also raised issues related to sports cooperation in his capacity as Chairman of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan, expressing appreciation for Uzbekistan’s support in preparations for hosting the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2027, which will be jointly organized by Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.
