Kazakhstan's national oil and gas company KazMunayGas (KMG) and the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) are exploring new opportunities for cooperation in offshore drilling, geological exploration and digital transformation.

The issues were discussed at a meeting in Baku between KazMunayGas Management Board Chairman Askhat Khassenov and SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf, Qazinform reports.

The talks focused on expanding cooperation in geological exploration, drilling operations, digital solutions and industrial safety.

In particular, the companies are jointly studying geological data on promising subsurface areas in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to identify potential opportunities for further development.

The sides also considered the possible deployment of Kazakhstan's self-elevating floating drilling rig Satti, owned by KMG Drilling and Services LLP, at offshore fields in Azerbaijan.

Another key topic was the implementation of joint digitalisation and industrial safety initiatives under memorandums signed by KazMunayGas, SOCAR, Russia's Tatneft and Uzbekistan's Uzbekneftegaz.

In October 2026, representatives of the four companies visited KazMunayGas production facilities in Kazakhstan's Mangistau Region. Following the visit, they identified priority areas for further cooperation, including sharing expertise, adopting best practices and introducing more effective occupational health and industrial safety solutions.

Following the Baku meeting, Khassenov and Najaf reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between KazMunayGas and SOCAR.