MALAYSIA and Turkmenistan have unveiled an ambitious roadmap to expand their longstanding energy partnership into a comprehensive alliance centred on advanced technology, education and innovation, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declaring the collaboration a model for stronger cooperation among Global South nations.
Concluding his official visit to Turkmenistan, Anwar joined President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the Malaysia-Turkmenistan Forum, where government leaders, industry executives and business representatives explored opportunities to broaden economic engagement beyond the hydrocarbons sector that has defined bilateral relations for three decades.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, the Prime Minister, in Ashgabat, said that the relationship has entered a new strategic phase, reflecting the confidence built through Petronas' long-standing presence in Turkmenistan and both countries' determination to diversify cooperation into future-oriented industries.
"I stressed that relations between Malaysia and Turkmenistan today have developed far beyond the oil and gas sector. Built upon the trust and friendship established over many years, both countries are now committed to expanding cooperation in strategic fields including education, TVET, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and human capital development."
Anwar described the evolving partnership as evidence that developing nations can leverage established industrial strengths to accelerate technological progress, strengthen knowledge-based economies and create sustainable long-term growth through mutually beneficial collaboration.
The Prime Minister noted that 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Petronas' operations in Turkmenistan, describing the milestone as proof that partnerships grounded in mutual respect, expertise sharing and technology transfer continue to generate enduring economic value for both countries.
Highlighting the shared values underpinning the bilateral relationship, Anwar invoked the philosophy of Turkmenistan's renowned poet, Magtymguly Pyragy, saying cultural understanding remains as important as economic cooperation in strengthening ties between the two nations.
The visit also produced a series of landmark agreements aimed at institutionalising long-term cooperation.
Anwar and Berdimuhamedov witnessed the signing of a Framework Agreement between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of Turkmenistan on Long-Term Cooperation for the Development of Turkmenistan's Hydrocarbon Resources, a Production Sharing Agreement for Blocks 19 and 20 between PETRONAS, State Concern Turkmennebit and State Enterprise Hazarnebit, as well as a Cooperation Agreement between Petronas and State Concern Turkmennebit to undertake 2D seismic studies across the Northern Offshore Blocks.
Anwar said the agreements represent more than commercial arrangements, expressing confidence they would strengthen bilateral relations while demonstrating how emerging economies can work together to deliver shared prosperity and sustainable development.
"I am confident that the agreements reached will open a new chapter in relations between our two countries, while serving as an example of how Global South nations can build mutually beneficial partnerships for the progress and prosperity of their peoples." - June 20, 2026
