ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 21. Malaysia
intends to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan in the oil and gas
sector, with a particular focus on investment, technology transfer,
job creation and the development of local suppliers, Malaysian
Minister of Economy Akmal Nasrullah bin Mohd Nasir said, Trend's special correspondent
reports.
He made the remarks during a plenary session of the
International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of
Turkmenistan - 2026” (OGT 2026) in Ashgabat.
“We are committed to ensuring that this partnership continues to
deliver tangible benefits to Turkmenistan through investment,
employment, technology transfer and the development of local supply
chains,” the minister said.
According to him, the presence of Malaysia's national oil and
gas company, Petronas, in Turkmenistan since 1996 has contributed
not only to hydrocarbon production but also to the development of
local expertise and infrastructure, as well as the training of
qualified specialists for the country's energy sector.
The minister recalled that he was part of a delegation that
visited Turkmenistan in June 2026 to mark the 30th anniversary of
Petronas' presence in the country. During a bilateral meeting
between Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Turkmen
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the two sides reaffirmed their
commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with a particular
focus on the oil and gas sector.
Nasir said that during the visit, he and Turkmen Deputy Chairman
of the Cabinet of Ministers Guvanch Agajanov formalized a framework
agreement between the governments of the two countries on long-term
cooperation in developing Turkmenistan's hydrocarbon resources.
Speaking about Malaysia's participation in OGT 2026, the
minister said the country was represented by around 20 companies
specializing in oil and gas services and equipment. Seven of them
are participating in the exhibition as part of Malaysia's national
pavilion.
“They are ready to work with Turkmen partners not only as
suppliers but also as long-term partners committed to creating
local added value,” the minister said.
He emphasized that the effectiveness of international energy
cooperation should be assessed not only by the contracts signed but
also by the benefits delivered to the host country.
“Success in Turkmenistan should be measured not only by the
contracts signed, but also by the value created for Turkmenistan,
the jobs generated for Turkmen citizens, the opportunities provided
to local suppliers, the skills and expertise transferred to local
workers, and the capabilities established within the country,” he
said.
According to Nasir, Malaysia is ready to facilitate partnerships
between Malaysian oil and gas companies and Turkmen businesses. He
also invited business representatives, government officials and
investors to visit Malaysia's national pavilion and explore
opportunities for joint projects.
“Malaysia is ready to be your trusted partner on this journey,”
the minister concluded.
