Russia's Gazprom has invited CNOOC Ltd., China's offshore oil and gas company, to take part in oil exploration offshore Russia, Interfax news agency quoted Gazprom's CEO as saying on Sept. 6.

"As far as oil is concerned, we are considering this possibility [cooperation with CNOOC in oilfield exploration]; such offers have been made; specifically--it's offshore deposits," Alexei Miller was quoted as saying.