Re Agreement Signed

Total S.A.
16 July 2003


         Saudi Arabia: Signature of an agreement to form a joint venture 
                       for the exploration of gas

Paris - July 16, 2003 - Total and Royal Dutch/Shell signed an agreement with the
Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to form a joint venture with the
national oil company Saudi Aramco for the exploration of gas in an area of
200,000 km2 in the southern part of the Rub Al-Khali.

Total, with a 30% interest, is partnered with Saudi Aramco (30%) and Shell 
(40%), leader of the joint venture. 

'Total is pleased to have signed this new agreement to enter Saudi Arabia and to 
be associated for the first time with Saudi Aramco, the largest producer and 
exporter of oil in the world. This agreement constitutes an important step in 
Total's strategy in the Middle-East', says Christophe de Margerie, Total 
Executive Vice President, President of Exploration and Production.
 


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