OREANDA-NEWS. July 30, 2012. Vice President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas visited office of "Zarubezhneft", where he had a meeting with the General Director Nikolay Brunich and senior executives of the company. Mr. Cabrisas arrived in Moscow on the official delegation of the Republic of Cuba headed by the President of the Council of State of Cuba and the President of the Council of Ministers of Cuba Raul Castro.

Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Russian Federation Mr. Juan Valdes Figueroa also attended the meeting.

In the course of the talks the parties discussed in details realization of joint projects of JSC "Zarubezhneft" and the national petroleum company Cubapetroleo. Special attention was paid to the upcoming start of drilling of the first exploratory well at the Block L offshore Cuba on the basis of the contract signed between the two companies. The Head of "Zarubezhneft" replied to Mr. Cabrisas about the forthcoming works and preparation of the drilling equipment.

In November, 2012 JSC "Zarubezhneft" plans to begin drilling the exploratory well at Block L. On 29th of June the representatives of JSC "Zarubezhneft" signed a contract with Songa Offshore for the use of the "Songa Mercur" MODU for carrying out the drilling works. Independent international organization checked the production equipment of the drilling rig and according to the report "Songa Mercur" MODU complies with all necessary requirements, and availability of the equipment manufactured in the USA does not exceed 10%. Recently the transportation of the semisubmersible drilling rig from the capital of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur to Cuba began.

During the past three years after signing of the contracts, "Zarubezhneft" carried out 2D and 3D seismic survey, engineering and geological research, environmental assessments, etc. Currently the supply of the necessary equipment and materials for the drilling of the well is being conducted.

Mr. Cabrisas said he was satisfied with the work progress and emphasized the need to follow all terms and schedules because these oil projects are very important for the economy of the Republic of Cuba. He also pledged support for "Zarubezhneft".