(VOVworld) – The Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) has signed 100 contracts including 61 valid contracts with foreign partners on oil and gas exploration and exploitation in Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. PetroVietnam Deputy General Director Nguyen Quoc Thap told an international press conference on Monday that Vietnam denies Chinese accusations that Vietnam designated 57 oil and gas blocks in disputed waters. Thap informed reporters that PetroVietnam has talked with all big partners like the US’s ExxonMobil, Russia’s Gazprom, and India’s ONGC, who all promised their continued cooperation.

PetroVietnam's partners acknowledge its legal oil and gas exploration and exploitation. (Photo: vef.vn)

He said: “At our meetings, we encountered positive attitudes. Those partners back the stance of PetroVietnam and the Vietnamese government. They all agreed that PetroVietnam’s oil and gas operation is legal and promised to honor signed contracts. PetroVietnam is working with them for better exploration and exploitation of oil and gas.

Thap said that PetroVietnam defends its operation with foreign partners within Vietnam’s EEZ and continental shelf, which has been underway for over 40 years.