Egypt has assigned ExxonMobil oil and gas exploration rights to two offshore blocks in the outer Nile Delta, according to a company statement on Tuesday.
The company's Egyptian subsidiary will operate both blocks and hold 100% interest, with exploration activities expected to start this year.
The awards for the blocks, which cover 11,000 square kilometers, are still subject to further government approvals.
(Reuters - Reporting by Sarah El Safty; editing by Jason Neely)