MALAYSIA and Australia have reinforced cooperation in the energy sector, signing a joint statement on energy security as regional tensions threaten global supply chains and fuel markets.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to ensuring stable and resilient energy supplies, particularly in fuel and liquefied natural gas.
“Malaysia and Australia have a strong interdependent relationship in energy resources, including fuel and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
“We have existing agreements, and today we reaffirmed our commitment to those agreements and signed a joint statement on energy security,” he said at a joint press conference with Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Perdana Putra today.
The strengthening of bilateral ties comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted global energy flows and heightened economic uncertainty.
Malaysia has called for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, urging firm international guarantees to end hostilities, attacks and sanctions.
Anwar said the conflict must be resolved through a comprehensive approach that balances security concerns with the principle of freedom of navigation.
Tensions have surged following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran on Feb 28, severely affecting the critical maritime route and contributing to a broader global energy crisis.
He said Malaysia has leveraged its diplomatic ties with Tehran to convey the concerns of Gulf and Arab leaders while advocating for a negotiated settlement.
However, he cautioned that security concerns cannot be ignored when nations face attacks without guarantees of safety.
"That is why, while supporting freedom of navigation, we also want categorical guarantees from countries — including big powers — to end hostilities, attacks and even sanctions against other countries. We look at it in a more comprehensive manner.
"Ultimately, we are for peace, and the Strait of Hormuz must finally be open to the international community. This will help resolve major issues confronting not only the region, but the world," he said.
Albanese, who is on a three-day official visit to Malaysia, held a private meeting with Anwar before leading wider bilateral discussions involving senior ministers and officials.
He said Australia would continue to advocate de-escalation through dialogue rather than military action.
"There are consequences of conflict for the loss of innocent lives, but there are also consequences for the entire world due to the extraordinary negative economic impact," he said.
He reiterated Australia’s position on freedom of navigation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, stressing its importance to global trade.
"Freedom of navigation is the basis of international trade, and that is a principle we hold to."
At the same engagement, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening broader cooperation with Australia across energy, trade and agriculture, while welcoming Canberra’s call for an end to hostilities in Gaza and its support for humanitarian efforts and a lasting resolution.
The discussions underscored both countries’ shared focus on stability, economic resilience and secure energy supply amid growing geopolitical uncertainty. - April 16, 2026
