Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and Turkmenistan have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in the energy sector, acknowledging Petroliam Nasional Bhd's (Petronas) longstanding and positive contributions in the field. In a joint statement, the leaders of both countries emphasised the significance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also welcomed the 30th anniversary of the partnership between Turkmenistan and Petronas, describing it as a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between the two sides. The statement highlighted the commitment of both leaders to strengthening a robust and enduring partnership, focusing on the oil and gas sector for sustained growth and mutual prosperity. Anwar's two-day official visit to Turkmenistan from June 18 to June 19 underscored the importance of this collaboration.
The leaders emphasised the strategic importance of the signing in Ashgabat of a production sharing agreement (PSA) between the State Concern Turkmennebit, Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd (PC(T)SB), and the State Enterprise Hazarnebit. Additionally, they noted the signing of the cooperation agreement (CA) on carrying out 2D Seismic Studies between the State Concern Turkmennebit and PC(T)SB, as well as the confidentiality agreement between the State Concern Turkmengas and Petronas Carigali International Ventures Sdn Bhd on June 19, which further reinforces collaboration in the upstream sector.
In a separate statement, Petronas announced that under the newly signed PSA, PC(T)SB would acquire a 100 percent participating interest in Block-19 and Block-20, marking the national oil company's entry into new exploration acreage in Turkmenistan. The CA facilitates the acquisition of new seismic data to address existing data gaps, enabling a more comprehensive evaluation of the Northern Offshore Blocks.
Petronas chief operating officer and executive vice president and chief executive officer of upstream Mohd Jukris Abdul Wahab commented on the agreements, reflecting the company's confidence in the potential of Turkmenistan's energy sector and the achievements possible through enduring partnerships anchored in mutual respect and technical collaboration. He also stated that Petronas remains committed to working alongside its partners to responsibly develop resources, strengthen energy resilience, and create sustainable value for all stakeholders, wherever the company operates.