Iraq has signed a memorandum of understanding with Total SA to execute “large and promising projects” in the Middle Eastern country, particularly regarding use of natural gas and clean energy, its oil ministry said on Jan. 27.

The agreement was signed during a visit by Total CEO Patrick Pouyanne, the ministry said in a statement. 

Total has been active in Iraq for nearly a century, since the 1920s in oil and gas exploration and production, according to the company website.

The French oil major has a 22.5% interest in the Halfaya oil field, currently in production, located in the Missan province in southern Iraq. Total also owns an 18% stake in the Sarsang exploration block located in northern Iraqi Kurdistan as well as market petroleum products and related services in the country.