President Mirziyoyev meets SOCAR and BP leadership to discuss energy cooperation

The meeting, held on May 13 on the sidelines of the "Energy Week Uzbekistan – 2026" forum, focused on deepening strategic cooperation in the oil and gas sectors.

The president’s press service reported that the discussions centered on expanding mutually beneficial partnerships with these global energy leaders. A major milestone noted during the talks was SOCAR’s ongoing role as a key partner in developing hydrocarbon deposits on the Ustyurt plateau. To facilitate closer operations and coordinate future ventures, SOCAR has officially decided to open a representative office in Uzbekistan.

The entry of British Petroleum into the large-scale Ustyurt project was highly commended during the session. Officials emphasized that the involvement of BP brings world-class technical expertise and investment to Uzbekistan’s energy landscape. The parties highlighted the necessity of advancing joint initiatives in geological exploration, extraction, and the deep processing of hydrocarbons. Furthermore, the agenda included securing long-term supplies of oil and petroleum products and enhancing specialized training programs for industry personnel.

Beyond energy infrastructure, the meeting touched upon cultural and sporting ties. Rovshan Najaf, who serves as the President of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan, expressed his gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for his support in the joint preparations for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The tournament is set to be co-hosted by Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, marking a significant moment of regional collaboration in international sports.