President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso said in an interview with Sputnik that he discussed during his visit to Moscow with Russian oil company Lukoil its participation in oil and gas projects in the republic as an operator, and he sees good prospects for it.
"Lukoil would also like to have licenses for oil extraction, under which the company could act as an operator. We discussed this matter this morning, and there are good prospects," he said.
The president added that he hoped the Russian company would receive permission and become an oil operator in the republic after talks.
Lukoil is currently working in the Republic of the Congo as a participant in the Marine XII oil and gas project. In 2019, Lukoil purchased a 25% share of the projects from UK oil company New Age M12 Holdings Limited. Italy's Eni, which has a 65% share, and the National Petroleum Company of the Congo, with a 10% share, also participate in the project.
In March 2023, Lukoil said it was discussing with the Republic possible participation in new projects as an operator.