MALAYSIA has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing strategic partnerships with international players, including Russia, with a focus on renewable energy and sustainable development, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said on Monday.
Speaking after receiving a courtesy call from Russian Ambassador to Malaysia Naiyl M. Latypov, Fadillah noted that the meeting offered an opportunity for constructive dialogue on energy collaboration.
“This meeting provided an opportunity for constructive discussion on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of renewable energy, which is gaining global attention,” he said in a Facebook post.
He also confirmed that preparations are underway for an upcoming working visit to Russia, aimed at further cementing ties between the two nations. Malaysia and Russia have maintained diplomatic relations since 1967.
The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) in Putrajaya, which Fadillah also leads.
Separately, a release issued by PETRA today cited, Malaysia, in its capacity as Chair of the 43rd ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME), successfully convened six high-level regional and international energy meetings in Kuching yesterday, marking a milestone in advancing energy cooperation across Southeast Asia.
Held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kuching, the consultations brought together representatives from all ASEAN member states, dialogue partners including Australia, China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States, as well as leading international organisations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Energy Agency (IEA), and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The meetings centred on the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II (2021–2025), with several key developments noted across the various platforms.
In the 30th East Asia Summit Energy Cooperation Task Force Meeting, dialogue partners reaffirmed support for ASEAN’s clean energy ambitions, with discussions focusing on energy efficiency, sustainable biofuels, and renewable deployment.
During the 26th SOME-METI Consultation, Malaysia and Japan evaluated ongoing initiatives under the ASEAN-Japan Energy Efficiency Partnership (AJEEP) and agreed to begin shaping the APAEC framework for 2026–2030.
The 3rd ASEAN-ADB Energy Dialogue highlighted advances in the ASEAN Power Grid project, with ADB presenting its 2025–2026 work plan aimed at enabling clean energy transitions through innovative financing and sustainable infrastructure.
In the 16th SOME-Russia Energy Consultation, both sides launched the ASEAN-Russia Capacity Building on Energy Statistics (ARCS) programme and explored avenues for collaboration in oil, gas, and nuclear sectors. Work also began on an ASEAN-Russia energy cooperation roadmap for 2026–2028.
The 16th SOME-U.S. Energy Consultation focused on decarbonisation and energy connectivity. Progress under the ASEAN-U.S. Energy Cooperation Work Plan was reviewed, including achievements in the Smart Power Programme and liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure studies.
Concluding the day, separate dialogues with the IEA and IRENA provided critical international insight, with the IEA presenting its upcoming Southeast Asia Energy Outlook 2025, and IRENA sharing updates on global renewable energy trends. Both reaffirmed long-term support for ASEAN’s clean energy journey.
The ministry underscored that Malaysia’s leadership as Chair of the 43rd SOME reflects its “strong commitment to promoting regional energy security, fostering technological innovation and advancing sustainable energy solutions.”
The sessions are expected to reinforce strategic partnerships, improve regional policy coordination, and contribute to ASEAN’s shared vision for a cleaner, more resilient, and integrated energy future. - June 18, 2025
