Starting in 1954, Eni acquired extensive exploration rights in North Africa, signing an agreement with the Egyptian government led by Nasser while providing an active and equal role for the crude producing countries through the establishment of joint ventures.[1][19] In 1957, Eni pushed for a similar agreement, known as the "Mattei formula",[20][21] to be signed with Persian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the National Iranian Oil Company.[22][23][24] In 1960, during the Cold War period, Eni signed an agreement with the Soviet Union for the importation of Russian crude at low prices.[25][26]