QuestionHow does Qatar Petroleum acquire a 40% interest in Total's share and not have reasonable confidence in the Orinduik Block? I understand Total's ability to diversify risk, but is this deal more about the Qatar/Guayana relationship of the future, or QP's belief in the block?
I assume QP and Total are looking at the same data in the buy/sell transaction.
What other implications am I missing? Does Total need cash flow, perhaps they're leveraged elsewhere? I don't see how a state-run oil company gets involved unless they are establishing a relationship or because the prospects are in their favor.