Gazprom plus one share of Sakhalin Energy. In June 2007, TNK-BP, a subsidiary of BP plc, agreed to sell its stake in Kovykta field in Siberia to Gazprom after the Government of Russia questioned BP's right to export gas from Russia. On 23 June 2007, the governments of Russia and Italy signed a memorandum of understanding towards a joint venture between Gazprom and Eni SpA to construct a 558-mile (900 km) gas pipeline to carry gas per year from Russia to Europe. This "South Stream" pipeline would extend under the Black Sea to Bulgaria with a south fork to Italy and
Gazprom Neft field. The company is conducting a program of the retraining of Iraqi professionals to work in the field. Selection is made on a competitive basis. Prospective employees undergo a special 2-year profession and language training program. Today, more than 90 Iraqis have already been employed at the field. Gazprom Neft launched the project from the initial stage and in a short period of time was able to complete work necessary for the commencement of commercial production at one of the most challenging fields in Iraq. International experience gained in Badra will be extremely useful for future international projects of Gazprom