Poland criticises Israel over decision to close Gaza aid convoy investigation
Poland has sharply criticised Israel’s handling of an investigation into the killing of Polish aid worker Damian Sobol, saying the decision t...
SOCAR has completed the acquisition of a 99.82% stake in Italiana Petroli (IP) from API Holding after receiving all required regulatory approvals.
Founded more than 90 years ago, Italiana Petroli is one of Italy’s leading energy and mobility companies, operating an integrated industrial and logistics network that includes two refineries, storage facilities and a nationwide fuel retail system.
The acquisition officially brings IP into the SOCAR group, significantly strengthening the Azerbaijani energy company’s presence in the European market.
The deal forms part of SOCAR’s long-term strategy to expand its integrated energy value chain and reinforce its footprint across Europe, with Italy remaining a key market in the company’s regional portfolio.
SOCAR is already a major crude oil supplier to Italy through the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline and also contributes to diversifying Italy’s gas supplies via the Southern Gas Corridor.
According to the company, the acquisition supports its broader objective of building a more integrated and resilient international portfolio capable of adapting to evolving market conditions while aligning with sustainability priorities.
SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf described the acquisition as an important milestone in the long-standing energy partnership between Azerbaijan and Italy.
“The completion of this acquisition marks an important milestone in the longstanding energy collaboration between Azerbaijan and Italy,” he said.
He added that the deal reflects years of economic cooperation and mutual trust between the two countries, while reaffirming SOCAR’s commitment to operational continuity, stability and long-term growth in Italy.
Najaf also said the integration of IP’s network and expertise would strengthen SOCAR’s position in Europe while maintaining the qualities that have shaped IP’s success over decades.
SOCAR said it intends to preserve and further develop IP’s strong market standing, operational capacity, and brand reputation. The company also stressed its commitment to supporting employees, maintaining continuity for customers and partners, and building on the professionalism and expertise already within the business.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
Russia is open to listening to new proposals on how to reach a settlement on the Ukraine conflict, a senior Russian diplomat said, but any proposals should reflect the "realities on the ground".
A large-scale drone attack has hit Russia's Samara region, damaging facilities and disrupting operations at an Ozon logistics complex, according to regional authorities and the company.
Türkiye said on Thursday it would continue helping Syria strengthen its military, despite rising tensions with Israel over Ankara’s role in the country.
Iran has condemned new U.S. sanctions as “economic terrorism” and “crimes against humanity”, accusing Washington of pursuing a decades-long policy of hostility. Tehran said the measures would not weaken its resolve to defend its sovereignty and national interests.
Poland has sharply criticised Israel’s handling of an investigation into the killing of Polish aid worker Damian Sobol, saying the decision to end proceedings has deepened concerns over accountability for the Israeli military’s conduct in Gaza.
Pakistan says it has added 12 sites to its UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, taking the total from 25 to 37 and widening the country's roster of potential future nominations.
Uzbekistan and Georgia have launched an electronic permit system for international road freight, replacing paper documents in a move aimed at speeding up cross-border transport and cutting bureaucracy.
Kazakhstan accounts for 45% of Central Asia’s road and rail infrastructure investment, with around $32.3 billion committed as the region expands key transport links across Eurasia.
Türkiye said on Thursday it would continue helping Syria strengthen its military, despite rising tensions with Israel over Ankara’s role in the country.
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