Turkmenistan, Malaysia Sign Key Energy Agreements to Deepen Long-Term Oil and Gas Cooperation
Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: Turkmenistan and Malaysia signed a series of major agreements aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation in the energy sector during a high-level international scientific and practical conference titled “Turkmenistan–Malaysia: 30 Years of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Industry” held in Ashgabat on Friday.
The agreements were signed in the presence of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, marking a significant step toward strengthening strategic energy ties between the two countries.
Among the documents signed were a Production Sharing Agreement involving the state concern Turkmennebit, PETRONAS Charigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn. Bhd., and the state enterprise Hazarnebit. The parties also concluded a cooperation agreement on conducting two-dimensional (2D) seismic surveys, as well as an agreement between Turkmengaz and PETRONAS Charigali International Ventures Sdn. Bhd..
In addition, the governments of Turkmenistan and Malaysia signed a framework agreement on long-term cooperation in the development of hydrocarbon resources, underscoring their commitment to expanding collaboration in the energy sector.
Addressing the conference, President Berdimuhamedov noted that 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia in the oil and gas industry. He highlighted that Malaysia’s national energy company, PETRONAS, has invested nearly $12 billion in Turkmenistan’s energy sector over the past three decades.
The Turkmen leader said that five offshore production platforms have been constructed in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea during the partnership, while approximately 40 exploration, appraisal and development wells have been drilled. He added that the Magtymguly, Diyarbekir and Garagol Deniz fields are currently under development, with the Owez and Mashrykow fields earmarked for future industrial exploitation.
Berdimuhamedov also announced the launch of joint work with PETRONAS on the development of offshore blocks 19 and 20 in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea. Furthermore, 2D seismic surveys are scheduled to be conducted in blocks 11, 12, 13 and 14 to support future exploration activities.
Speaking at the conference, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the oil and gas sector as one of the key pillars of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. He said the newly signed agreements represent the beginning of a new phase in Turkmen-Malaysian relations and reaffirm the strong partnership developed over the past three decades.
The Malaysian premier noted that PETRONAS has maintained effective and productive cooperation with Turkmenistan throughout its presence in the country, adding that joint energy projects continue to play a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations.
The conference concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to a long-term strategic energy partnership and expressing readiness to expand cooperation through the implementation of new projects in the hydrocarbon sector.
