The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) is set to open a representative office in Uzbekistan as the Azerbaijani energy giant deepens its strategic partnership with the Central Asian nation in the oil and gas sector.

The decision was announced during a meeting between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf, alongside executives from BP, who arrived in the country for the “Uzbekistan Energy Week - 2026” forum, The Caspian Post reports via the Uzbek president's press service.

During the talks, the sides discussed expanding cooperation with SOCAR and BP, two major global players in the energy industry. Uzbek officials praised the successful partnership already underway, particularly SOCAR’s participation in the development of hydrocarbon fields on the Ustyurt plateau.

The opening of a SOCAR office in Uzbekistan is expected to strengthen collaboration in oil and gas exploration, hydrocarbon production, deep processing of raw materials, and long-term oil and petroleum supplies.

Uzbekistan also welcomed BP’s entry into the large-scale Ustyurt energy project, highlighting the growing international interest in the country’s energy sector.

The discussions additionally focused on workforce training and the development of industry specialists to support future projects.

Najaf, who also serves as head of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan, thanked President Mirziyoyev for supporting preparations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are set to co-host in 2027.