Oil giant Total is to enhance cooperation with China Petroleum China National Petroleum Corp., according to according to Christophe de Margerie, head of the French group. Interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, he discussed joint projects in Venezuela to develop oil fields of Carabobo and the Halfaya oil field in Iraq, which Total has won the rights to operate alongside CNPC and Petronas.

"There is a real opportunity for Chinese companies and Total are working together," he said on the sidelines of a visit to Beijing in the company of French Prime Minister Francois Fillon.

Delicate negotiations around a project in Iran

The French group is also discussing with CNPC around the development of gas field South Pars, Iran, which includes the export of liquefied natural gas.In June, Iran had signed a contract worth 4.7 billion dollars with CNPC to help him develop Phase 11 of South Pars, the total expense of the accused Iran of late. If discussions with his Chinese counterpart result, Total could again take part in the project, but why should reach a new agreement with Iranian authorities, that "for now, discussions have stopped."

The group Total has been repeatedly criticized, particularly by some American politicians for his involvement in Iran. The French group justifies its presence on Iranian soil, saying that investments related to energy transactions are long-term, while political regimes can change.If current conditions do not like and you decide to never be interested in that country, then "you'll never be anything" said Christophe de Margerie.

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