17 iýun 2026 ý.

In the strategy of modernizing the oil and gas complex and sustainably exporting national resources to the global market, which is one of the priority tracks of Turkmenistan’s state policy, the relations established with the Malaysian company “PETRONAS” hold a special place. This partnership serves as an exemplary model not only of economic interests, but also of mutual respect, equality, and effective cooperation.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and “PETRONAS.” This partnership, ongoing since 1996, has been of vital importance in developing the massive hydrocarbon resources in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea. “PETRONAS” made history as one of the first major international energy companies to demonstrate confidence in operating and investing along the Caspian coast.

Over three decades, the projects implemented by “PETRONAS” have significantly contributed to the technological advancement of Turkmenistan’s oil and gas industry, the creation of new jobs, and the expansion of export capabilities. In particular, the company’s outstanding service in training highly qualified national specialists proves that Turkmen-Malaysian relations are actively expanding in the humanitarian field as well.

The recent reception by the Honorable President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of the Malaysian delegation, including Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Political Affairs to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, and Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, President and Group CEO of “PETRONAS,” launched a new phase of this strategic partnership.

At the beginning of the meeting, the guests conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to our Head of State from the Supreme Head of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This diplomatic gesture confirms the high level of political and diplomatic relations between the two nations and their mutual interest.

During the meeting, the Head of State emphasized that developing relations with Malaysia is one of the key pillars of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. Specifically, the positive experience accumulated with “PETRONAS” within the framework of trade and economic cooperation serves as a solid foundation for future projects.

This high-level meeting encompassed not only historical outcomes but also concrete future programs. As noted during the talks, within the scope of the Malaysian delegation’s visit, the signing of a Protocol on Commercial Terms between the “Turkmennebit” State Concern and “PETRONAS Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn. Bhd.” was scheduled. This document indicates the readiness of both sides to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation under new economic conditions.

The company executives highlighted that Turkmenistan directs its rich hydrocarbon resources toward the benefit of all mankind, and assured that they will remain committed to their obligations moving forward. This once again proved the long-term and sustainable nature of “PETRONAS” operations in Turkmenistan.

The Head of State expressed special gratitude to “PETRONAS” for its work in training highly qualified specialists for our country’s oil and gas sector. The Turkmen youth educated in Malaysia with the company’s support currently form the intellectual capacity of the nation’s energy industry. Technological cooperation is carried out not merely through equipment supply, but also by integrating world-class expertise and innovative management methods into Turkmenistan’s production sites.

Turkmenistan reaffirmed its readiness to consider specific and innovative proposals across all areas of mutual interest. Partnership with “PETRONAS” holds great promise not only in hydrocarbon extraction, but also in areas such as environmental compliance, the digitalization of production, and the utilization of energy-saving technologies.

Ultimately, these productive talks between the Honorable President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the representatives of Malaysia demonstrated the strengthening of a strategic partnership that serves the interests of the friendly peoples of both countries. The experience of 30 years of cooperation and the newly signed agreements guarantee that Turkmenistan and “PETRONAS” will continue to stride together toward new achievements for decades to come.

As a matter of note, PETRONAS was established in 1974, vested with the authority to manage Malaysia’s oil and gas resources. Today, the company has transformed into a vast international corporation spanning more than 100 countries worldwide. Its business operations include hydrocarbon exploration and production, refining, petrochemical manufacturing, trading, marketing, and the implementation of innovative energy solutions.

In line with its target to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 (NZCE 2050), the company is executing new projects in fields such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), hydrogen energy, and renewable energy sources.

By making its initial investment in Turkmenistan in 1996, “PETRONAS” initiated a partnership aimed at developing the country’s oil and gas sector. The company became the first foreign operator to invest in Turkmenistan’s offshore fields. In May 2025, the company signed a new 25-year Production Sharing Agreement, confirming the extension of its partnership until 2050.

Yklym Myradov — Head of the Department for Implementation of Digital Technologies and Information Security of the State Concern “Turkmennebit”