Kazakhstan, Congo to collaborate in oil and gas sector

ASTANA. June 13 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan's KazMunayGas (KMG) and Congo's National Oil Company (SNPC) have agreed to look at a cooperation agreement in the oil and gas industry, the KMG press office said.

The decision follows discussions held in Astana on June 1 between KMG's Chairman of the Board, Askhat Khasenov, and Francoise Joly, the Congolese President's representative for international affairs, alongside SNPC Managing Director Maixent Raoul Ominga.

"The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration in various areas of the oil and gas sector, including trade in oil and petroleum products, development of human capital and other areas," KMG said.

Khasenov highlighted KMG's ongoing efforts to expand its resource base, enhance production efficiency, and develop capabilities in oil refining and petrochemicals. He also mentioned Kazakhstan's recent reforms aimed at attracting investments in exploration and petrochemicals.

SNPC emphasized Congo's status as Africa's third-largest player in oil and gas, following Nigeria and Angola, and highlighted partnerships with Total Energies, Chevron, and Eni, to attract additional investments for energy projects.

Established in April 1998 and fully owned by the Congolese state under the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, SNPC plays a pivotal role in developing and managing Congo's hydrocarbon resources. KMG operates as Kazakhstan's national entity overseeing hydrocarbon exploration, production, processing, and transportation, thereby representing the state's interests in the oil and gas sector.