Uzbekistan Launches Joint SOCAR–Uzbekneftegaz Project

Uzbekistan has launched a joint exploration and geological project between the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and Uzbekneftegaz, marking a new chapter in regional energy cooperation.

The inauguration ceremony in Tashkent was attended by Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, The Caspian Post reports via the Azerbaijani Energy Ministry.

The project will be implemented in Uzbekistan’s Ustyurt region under an agreement signed on July 24, 2025, among SOCAR, Uzbekneftegaz, and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

During the ceremony, Uzbekistan also kicked off several other energy projects with foreign partners from Türkiye, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China.

Shahbazov highlighted that the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan has been made possible by the political will and personal trust of the two nations’ leaders. He emphasized that Azerbaijan’s full participation in the Central Asian Leaders’ Advisory Meetings and initiatives like the opening of the Zangezur Corridor are opening new opportunities for regional integration.

“The SOCAR-Uzbekneftegaz joint exploration project in Ustyurt is a prime example of this cooperation. It underscores the strategic importance of our energy partnership, facilitates knowledge and technology exchange, strengthens regional energy integration, and expands opportunities for joint participation in energy supply,” Shahbazov said.