KUALA LUMPUR – International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s absence from yesterday’s special cabinet meeting was due to his trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a business-related event.
Contrary to speculation that he had gone to watch the World Cup football match in Qatar, Tengku Zafrul stated in an Instagram post that he witnessed the signing ceremony involving Petronas Abu Dhabi Sdn Bhd and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc).
“Alhamdulillah, yesterday, I witnessed Petronas Abu Dhabi Sdn Bhd and Adnoc sign a historic agreement for Malaysia and the UAE through cooperation in exploring and evaluating Unconventional Onshore Block 1 covering a concession area of 2,000 sqkm in the region of Al Dhafra,” he said.
According to Tengku Zafrul, the agreement demonstrates the capacity of local companies to compete on the international stage.
“It also demonstrates the close relationship between Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates in terms of bilateral commerce and strengthens the friendship between the two nations,” he said.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah witnessed the signing ceremony. Others present included UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Industry and Advanced Technology Minister (also Adnoc managing director and chief executive officer) Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, and Petronas group chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Kamadjaja Aziz.
Tengku Zafrul also said that he hopes to see more Malaysian companies succeed on the international stage.
“This proves the country’s ability as a first-class competitor among global industry players, Insya Allah,” he added. – The Vibes, December 6, 2022
