(upstreamonline) -- Russia’s Lukoil has reportedly offered compatriot state-owned oil company Rosneft participation in its foreign oil projects, including a stake in the West Qurna 2 field in Iraq.
"We offered a whole package. If they are interested, it's both West Africa and West Qurna 2. But in Iraq, it's only possible after agreement with the local government," Lukoil chief executive Vagit Alekperov said.
Alekperov said Rosneft may be offered the 18.75% stake in West Qurna previously held by Norway’s Statoil before its exit from the project at the end of last month.
Lukoil was recently reported to be in talks with several potential bidders for the stake, including Asian players.
The Russian privately-owned company now holds 75% as operator of the Iraqi project, with state-owned North Oil Company on 25%, and is looking to bring another partner onboard.
Alekperov was earlier said to be interested in a possible alliance with Rosneft, similar to its recent joint-venture deals with ExxonMobil, Eni and Statoil, after the latter issued invitations earlier this year to selected companies for possible partnerships on offshore projects, including in the untapped Russian Arctic.
MRC