The Chairman the National Oil Corporation (NOC), Farhat Bengdara, stressed the need for US companies to return to work in the oil and gas sector in Libya, adding in his meeting with US Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk, on the sidelines of the CERAWEEk conference.

The US Deputy Secretary of Energy hailed the increase in oil production and its stability under the new management of the NOC, according to a statement issued by the NOC, adding that the Director of the North Africa Department at the US State Department, Victoria Taylor, expressed her support for the NOC Board of Directors in its efforts that contributed to raising oil and gas production rates, developing oil industries and improving the environment. She also reaffirmed her country's support for the NOC to implement its strategic plans to increase production and build capacities.

The NOC delegation held meetings with US officials on the sidelines of its participation in CERAWEEk conference, which is considered the most important annual event for international oil, gas and energy companies and institutions in Houston, USA.

The US Assistant Secretary of State Geoffrey Pyatt has also confirmed in his meeting with Bengdara in Washington, DC. support for the NOC to implement its strategy to build capacities and raise oil and gas production.