On 27 May 2026, within the framework of his visit to the Republic of Italy, SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf held a series of meetings and attended an official reception organized in Rome on the occasion of 28 May – Independence Day, APA reports, citing SOCAR.
SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf met with Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italy’s Minister for Environment and Energy Security, and Adolfo Urso, Italy’s Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy.
During the meetings, satisfaction was expressed with the sustainable development of relations between Azerbaijan and Italy in the energy sector, based on successful economic cooperation. In this context, the acquisition by SOCAR of shares in Italiana Petroli from API Holding was noted as an important step in expanding cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector.
The parties also exchanged views on energy security, SOCAR’s activities in Italy and other issues of mutual interest.
As part of the visit, the SOCAR President attended an official reception organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Italy on the occasion of 28 May – Independence Day. Within the framework of the event, the official presentation of SOCAR Italia took place.
Addressing the event, the SOCAR President spoke about the development path and historic achievements of independent Azerbaijan, founded by National Leader Heydar Aliyev and successfully advancing under the wise leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.
Noting that relations between Azerbaijan and Italy have developed over the years on the basis of mutual trust and close cooperation, Rovshan Najaf emphasized that bilateral ties continue to develop dynamically today, with mutually beneficial partnership successfully expanding in the energy sector alongside other areas. He stated that 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.
The event also featured speeches by Rashad Aslanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Italy; Edmondo Cirielli, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy; and Licia Ronzulli, Vice President of the Italian Senate and Senator.
