(MENAFN) Lebanon’s oil and gas sector is being targeted by companies from Russia and Europe for investments while the country sets for offshore drilling this year’s end. Energy Minister Nada Boustani, speaking to Agence France Peesse, confirmed that “several big companies have visited Lebanon.” According to the Lebanese minister, “we are talking about Gazprom (Russia), Lukoil (Russia), and soon, the (Britain) BP firm is expected to visit.” Boustani further added: “there is also interest from Total (France), ENI (Italy) and Novatek (Russia).” Companies from the United States are so far not joining offshore bidding rounds in Lebanon.