Australian PM To Meet Petronas To Advance Energy Ties, Says Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, April 16 (Bernama) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to hold discussions with Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) to advance Malaysia-Australia energy cooperation, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 

Anwar said that as close partners, Malaysia and Australia share strong bilateral ties and will continue to prioritise engagement at the operational level.

“We have engaged with the leadership of Petronas, and further detailed discussions will continue,” he told a press conference in conjunction with Albanese’s official visit to Malaysia here today.

Anwar said that both countries will assess their respective domestic energy requirements and explore areas where they can support each other on a mutually beneficial basis.

“There are resources we require from Australia, and likewise, products that Australia needs from Malaysia. This cooperation will ultimately benefit both nations,” he said. 

Albanese is scheduled to meet Petronas president and group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik at the Petronas Twin Towers later today.

Anwar also said Malaysia had conveyed concerns to Australia over diesel supply, particularly given medium-term constraints. 

However, he said Petronas assured that excess supply would be made available after meeting domestic needs, with priority given to Australia.

“Naturally, domestic needs and economic resilience remain our primary considerations. However, through close cooperation and mutual understanding, both countries can support each other’s requirements,” he said.

Anwar added that Australia has likewise assured Malaysia of continued liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply in accordance with existing agreements.

“This reciprocal approach reflects the strength of our partnership, where both sides honour commitments and respond to each other’s needs,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Albanese reaffirmed that Australia will honour its existing LNG supply commitments to Malaysia, describing energy security as a critical component of bilateral ties and regional stability.

“The relationship is mutually beneficial. Australia is a major exporter of LNG to Malaysia, while we import a range of products from Malaysia, including fuel and fertilisers.

“One of the key areas discussed was the potential to further enhance this relationship. We have tasked Petronas and the relevant Australian authorities to undertake further work on how we can strengthen cooperation in the face of ongoing global challenges,” he said.

The press conference was held shortly after Anwar held a four-eye meeting with Anthony Albanese, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing emerging energy security challenges amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Earlier, Albanese was accorded an official welcome at the Perdana Putra in conjunction with his three-day official visit to Malaysia from April 15 to 17.

-- BERNAMA