Petronas Secures Development Rights for Two Major Gas Blocks in Turkmenistan

(Nibong Tebal, 20th) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that Petronas has secured the development rights for two large natural gas blocks in Turkmenistan, including one of the world's largest gas fields. This is not only a major breakthrough for Malaysia's energy sector but also fully demonstrates the international community's high confidence in Malaysia's capabilities, political stability, and the professionalism of local enterprises. He pointed out that the agreement was officially signed in Turkmenistan recently, marking a new phase in energy cooperation between Malaysia and Turkmenistan. "Turkmenistan is one of the world's major natural gas suppliers, holding the second-largest natural gas reserves globally. The Turkmen government has decided to entrust two large gas blocks to Malaysia for development, with Petronas as the operator, involving one of the world's largest gas fields." Anwar shared these outcomes from his recent official visit to Turkmenistan at the opening ceremony of the new facility of MKS Instruments, an American semiconductor equipment supplier, at the Batu Kawan Bandar Cassia Technology Park today. He said this achievement was not accidental but the concrete result of Malaysia's long-standing open, friendly, and pragmatic foreign policy. "I congratulate all Malaysians. This is the accumulation of our years of effort in building friendly relations and deepening cooperation with various countries, which has now gradually translated into tangible benefits." Anwar revealed that after his trip to Kazan, Russia, he visited Turkmenistan at the invitation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedow. As early as December last year when the Turkmen president visited Malaysia, he had actively sought more opportunities for Malaysia to participate in local energy development projects. "Malaysia has always maintained good relations with both Eastern and Western countries, so I suggested that the Turkmen president seriously consider expanding the scope of cooperation between the two sides." He noted that Petronas entered the Turkmenistan market as early as 1996 and gradually built long-term cooperation. However, the new projects obtained this time are far larger in scale than before and hold significant strategic importance. "This is not just a large-scale energy development plan; it also reflects the Turkmen leadership's high trust in Malaysia, Petronas, and our professional talent." He believes that this cooperation achievement proves that Malaysia's international image, built through years of political stability, social harmony, and national unity, has gradually translated into substantive investment and cooperation opportunities. "This marks foreign confidence in our country and is the result of the long-term efforts of the Petronas team, professionals, and all participants." He said this success story should serve as an inspiration for all Malaysians. As long as we continue to enhance our capabilities, maintain discipline, and remain determined, Malaysia still has broad development prospects in the future. On another note, Anwar also welcomed more international technology companies to choose Malaysia as an investment destination, especially Penang, which has gradually emerged as a regional hub for semiconductors and high-tech industries. He stated that the continuous expansion of investment by international high-tech companies, including MKS Instruments, reflects the growing recognition of Malaysia's position in the global supply chain and will further drive the country's high-tech industry development and talent cultivation. "This is undoubtedly an encouraging piece of news and an important achievement of our diplomacy and economic cooperation."