Tashkent: Rovshan Najaf, President of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), took part in the 28th International Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference of Uzbekistan (OGU-2026) held in Tashkent. As part of the event, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf, along with bp Executive Vice President Ariel Flores and Giovanni Cristofoli, bp Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Trkiye.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Rovshan Najaf conveyed the greetings and best wishes of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. President Mirziyoyev expressed gratitude for the greetings and requested that his own greetings be extended to President Aliyev in return.
SOCAR President Najaf, together with bp representatives Ariel Flores and Giovanni Cristofoli, held trilateral meetings with Uzbekistan's Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov and Chairman of Uzbekneftegaz Abdugani Sanginov. The discussions highlighted the successful implementation of the Ustyurt project, aligned with the policies defined by President Aliyev and President Mirziyoyev.
The meetings focused on the exploration, development, and production activities within the Ustyurt investment blocks. There was also a discussion on expanding cooperation among the involved parties. Following the meetings, documents were signed regarding bp's accession to the Production Sharing Agreement for these investment blocks.
During a separate meeting with Zsombor Marton, Executive Vice President of MOL Group, Rovshan Najaf reviewed the status of jointly executed projects and expressed satisfaction with the long-term partnership between the companies. Additionally, Najaf visited the OGU-2026 exhibition, where SOCAR was represented with its own pavilion.
SOCAR's pavilion showcased its operations in Azerbaijan and abroad, including oil and gas pipeline systems, green energy initiatives, and digital solutions. The pavilion was recognized with the 'Top National Stand Design' award at the exhibition.