Chinese CNOOC is set to begin talks with Angola for oil exploration opportunities, according to a statement from the Angolan oil and gas ministry.

The talks will be led by a delegation from CNOOC, headed by Liu Yongjie, Chairman of CNOOC International Limited. The focus of the discussions will be on block 24 and other oil exploration opportunities in Angola, the ministery stated.

The statement followed a meeting between Angola’s oil minister with a delegation from the CNOOC.

Angolan President Joao Lourenco has been leading efforts to revamp the country’s energy sector, including multiple block auctions over the past five years and construction of more refining capacity as Angola seeks to turn around declining oil production.

In December, Angola left OPEC in order to have more control over its oil production and pricing. The country is now looking to strengthen its energy relations with China, a major player in the global oil market.