Malaysia and Turkmenistan have agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership, with energy cooperation taking centre stage during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to the Central Asian nation.

The two-day visit from June 18–19, held at the invitation of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations as both leaders explored ways to expand cooperation in energy, trade, investment, education, science and technology.

During a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Ashgabat, Anwar and Berdimuhamedov reviewed bilateral, regional and international issues and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation based on mutual benefit and shared prosperity.

A key outcome of the visit was the expansion of collaboration in the oil and gas sector, recognising the three-decade partnership between Malaysia’s national energy company PETRONAS and Turkmenistan’s energy industry.

Several strategic agreements were signed, including a Production Sharing Agreement involving Turkmennebit, PETRONAS Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd and Hazarnebit, alongside agreements on 2D seismic studies and confidentiality cooperation in the gas sector.

Both governments also formalised a Framework Agreement on Long-Term Cooperation for the Development of Turkmenistan’s Hydrocarbon Resources, aimed at promoting sustainable energy development and long-term economic growth.

Beyond energy, the two countries agreed to unlock untapped economic potential by enhancing trade, investment and broader economic cooperation while maintaining regular dialogue through bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Commission Meeting.

The visit also witnessed the signing of several agreements covering air connectivity, diplomatic training, scientific exchange and transportation cooperation. This included an Air Services Agreement between the two countries and collaboration between Turkmenhowayollary State Service and Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport.

In the education and research sectors, both sides welcomed new partnerships between Turkmen universities and Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) to promote academic exchange, joint research and technological advancement.

Malaysia and Turkmenistan further pledged to expand cooperation in science, innovation, culture, tourism, education and sports, while strengthening people-to-people ties and institutional collaboration.

The two leaders also discussed climate resilience and sustainable development, expressing support for initiatives to address desertification, climate change mitigation and the advancement of green technologies.

Anwar expressed appreciation to Berdimuhamedov and the people of Turkmenistan for their warm hospitality, saying the visit had paved the way for a stronger and more comprehensive partnership between the two countries.