March 12 (Reuters) - Venezuela and Spanish energy group

Repsol have signed "strategic agreements," the government of the

South American country said in a statement on Thursday.

Speaking on state-run television, acting President Delcy

Rodriguez said the agreement will allow for gas production at

Cardon IV, which is a 50-50 joint venture between Repsol and

Italy's Eni.

She added that the deal would allow for the expansion for

exports.

"I am very pleased that this is being done hand in hand

with two European companies that stayed in Venezuela, that

believed in Venezuela and did not turn their backs on our

people," Rodriguez said.

A government statement added that Venezuela is committed to

seeking agreements with global investors in oil and gas.

After the United States captured President Nicolas Maduro

in January, it eased sanctions on Venezuela's energy sector,

issuing general licences that allow global energy companies to

operate oil and gas projects in the OPEC country.

Venezuela holds one of the largest oil reserves in the

world but has dilapidated energy infrastructure.