In his statement, Akkenzhenov noted that the letter was sent to the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (OFAC), which must give consent for the transaction under the existing sanctions.
Kazakhstan is interested in acquiring Lukoil's stakes in key oil and gas projects, such as the Karachaganak and Tengiz fields, as well as in the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which facilitates the export of the majority of Kazakhstan's oil.
According to the minister, the republic has a preferential right to acquire these assets under its legislation.
Reuters also reminds that under the sanctions regime, Lukoil must sell its foreign assets by February 28.
