OREANDA-NEWS. September 21, 2009. The delegation of JSC “Zarubezhneft” headed by the General Director N.G. Brunich made a working trip to the Republic of Cuba where it were held several meetings and consultations concerning geologic exploration and production of oil in Cuba.

The first meeting was held in the head office of the state oil company “Cubapetroleo” with its General Director Fidel Rivero Prieto and leading experts. Russian and Cuban oilmen discussed and agreed upon four geologic exploration and hydrocarbon production contracts in four blocks. During the discussion definite agreements were achieved that would enable the partners to successfully realize plans of joint activity.

The theme of the two state companies’ cooperation got further development during the meeting between representatives of JSC “Zarubezhneft” and the Minister of Basic Industries of the Republic of Cuba Yadira Garcia Vera. In the speeches it was noted the seriousness of intentions of the Parties in realization of oil and gas projects. Addressing the Cuban partners, N.G. Brunich underlined that “Zarubezhneft” just after the signing of contracts is ready to start work under the targeted schedule and first of all open a representative office in Havana. He expressed hope that the cooperation with “Cubapetroleo” will be no less effective and long-lasting than with the old Vietnamese partner of “Zarubezhneft” – Oil and Gas Corporation “Petrovietnam”.

Later in the day JSC “Zarubezhneft” management team took part in the plenary session which was held under the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister, co-chairman of the Russian-Cuban intergovernmental commission I.I. Sechin to Cuba. The meeting was held under the chair of the Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation S.I. Shmatko with the participation of the Minister of Basic Industries of the Republic of Cuba Yadira Garcia Vera and representatives of oil and gas and energy companies of the two countries.

During exchange of views the General Director of JSC “Zarubezhneft” N.G. Brunich informed the participants of the meeting about the results of preparation for the realization of projects in Cuba, told about the planned directions of activities of the company which at the moment had real perspectives for the start of exploration of oil and gas fields on shore and offshore Cuba.

Finishing the visit to Cuba the representatives of JSC “Zarubezhneft” together with the colleagues from “Cubapetroleo” initialed four contracts for geological exploration works and development of four blocks (two – on shore, two – offshore). After the approval of these contracts by the Cuban government it is planned to sign them in August of this year.

At the present time “Zarubezhneft” and “Cubapetroleo” are working on preparation of one more contract, of oil recovery enhancement at the oil field “Boca de Jaruco”.