Azerbaijan to Explore for Natural Gas in Israeli Waters

Jerusalem, 18 March, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- Baku (AZERTAC) – A delegation led by Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov is visiting Israel strengthen bilateral economic ties.

During the meeting with Israeli Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Eli Cohen, the two discussed the role of Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil company, SOCAR, in the exploitation of Israel’s gas fields.

In a ceremony, Cohen presented licenses for exploration in Israel’s Block “I” in its offshore Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to Jabbarov and SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf. This is SOCAR’s first exploration project outside of Azerbaijan.

SOCAR and Israel’s Union Energy also signed a memorandum of understanding on joint exploration in the EEZ.

Jabbarov also met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat for talks on bilateral trade and economic cooperation.