Malaysia-Turkmenistan Collaboration Goes Beyond Mere Commercial Interest - PM Anwar

From Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail

ASHGABAT (TURKMENISTAN) June 19 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the agreement signed between Malaysia and Turkmenistan reflects a mutual commitment to long-term cooperation that goes beyond mere commercial interests.

Anwar said Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) started its operations in Turkmenistan in 1996, laying the foundation for a lasting collaboration between the two countries.

"As I have mentioned repeatedly to the president (Serdar Berdimuhamedov), this is not a normal venture like we had experienced with an MNC (multinational corporation) in the past. 

"Petronas is here as a partner, a reliable partner, share our experience, transfer technology, and committed to work as a team...we want to progress together," Anwar said in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the ‘Turkmenistan-Malaysia: 30 years of Mutual Beneficial Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Industry and New Horizon of Partnership Forum’ held here today.

President Berdimuhamedov also delivered his keynote address at the event.

"This is not the traditional method or manner that we are familiar with in terms of investments, offering direct investments, so in 30 years in Turkmenistan, Petronas and Malaysia want to showcase what real partnership in collaboration is all about. 

"Our universities and your universities, our research facilities, your research facilities, our expertise, your expertise, our entry into more challenging new technologies, AI, semiconductor, are yours and ours when we are committed to working as a team. 

"We will continue to ensure that the young professionals from here, Turkmenistan, the young professionals from Malaysia, would benefit from this collaboration," said Anwar, adding that it also serves as an example to the countries of the Global South on what cooperation really means.

At the event, three agreements were signed between Petronas and Turkmenistan, in addition to a Framework Agreement between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of Turkmenistan on the long-term development of Turkmenistan's hydrocarbon resources.

The two leaders also spent some time touring the exhibition dedicated to Turkmenistan-Malaysia cooperation.

A total of 21 Malaysian companies, 20 local Turkmenistan companies and eight international companies, as well as local government agencies, participated in the forum.

-- BERNAMA