SOCAR president discusses acquisition of Italiana Petroli shares in Rome PHOTO

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) has strengthened its presence in Italy following a series of high-level meetings and an official reception in Rome marking Azerbaijan’s Independence Day, the company said.

On May 27, 2026, SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf held meetings in Rome with Italy’s Minister for Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin and Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso, Caliber.Az reports. 

Discussions focused on the development of bilateral energy cooperation and issues related to energy security. Both sides noted the steady expansion of economic ties between Azerbaijan and Italy, particularly in the energy sector.

In this context, SOCAR’s acquisition of shares in Italiana Petroli from API Holding was highlighted as a significant step in deepening cooperation between the two countries.

The meetings also addressed SOCAR’s growing operations in Italy and other areas of mutual interest.

As part of the visit, Najaf attended an official reception hosted by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Italy to mark 28 May – Independence Day, where SOCAR Italia was formally presented.

Addressing the event, Najaf spoke about Azerbaijan’s development path and the role of national leadership in shaping the country’s energy strategy, while emphasizing the importance of Azerbaijani-Italian relations.

He noted that bilateral relations are built on mutual trust and continue to expand across multiple sectors, with energy cooperation playing a central role.

“The official launch of SOCAR Italia, as well as SOCAR’s acquisition of shares in Italiana Petroli, are clear examples of the successful cooperation between the two countries,” he said.

The event also featured remarks by Azerbaijani Ambassador to Italy Rashad Aslanov, Italy’s Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli, and Italian Senate Vice President Licia Ronzulli.

By Sabina Mammadli