Libya may support Eni asset swap with Gazprom

ROME, April 19 (Reuters) - Libya may support Italian oil major Eni's (ENI.MI: Quote, Profile, Research) plan to offer its stake in Libya's Elephant field to Russia's Gazprom (GAZP.MM: Quote, Profile, Research) as part of their deal on swapping assets, Libya's top oil official said on Saturday.

Eni Chief Executive Paolo Scaroni said earlier this week his group would offer Russia's gas giant a stake in the Elephant oil field in Libya, but the deal required approval from Tripoli.

"Our relations are very cordial with Eni, and also with Gazprom. Relations with Scaroni and (Gazprom CEO Alexei) Miller are very friendly and diplomatic relations with both countries are very friendly," said the head of Libya's OPEC delegation Shokri Ghanem. "We will look at any proposal to come with a lot of interest and support," Ghanem told reporters on the sidelines of the International Energy Forum in Rome.

Ghanem said Eni and Gazprom have yet to present their agreement to the Libyan government.

Eni and Gazprom formed a strategic partnership in 2006, to focus on both upstream and downstream in the oil and gas sectors. The exchange of assets is part of the agreement.

The Elephant field was discovered in 1997 and produced 124,000 barrels a day (b/d) in 2006.

(Reporting by Svetlana Kovalyova; Editing by Ruth Pitchford)