PM Anwar’s visits to Russia and Turkmenistan strengthen ties, securing long-term oil supply and a major gas field role for Petronas
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visits to Russia and Turkmenistan have been described as a significant step in strengthening Malaysia’s international relations and unlocking strategic opportunities that will benefit the country and its people.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said one of the key outcomes was Russia’s commitment to provide long-term oil supplies to Malaysia for up to 20 years, a move expected to enhance the country’s energy security and economic stability.
“The MADANI Government’s strategy of diversifying energy sources is crucial to ensuring sufficient supply and sustaining the BUDI MADANI RON95 programme while maintaining the subsidised RON95 petrol price at RM1.99 per litre.
“All Malaysians will benefit from this achievement by the Prime Minister,” he told Bernama.
Nga, who is also the Teluk Intan MP, said Anwar’s success in securing Turkmenistan’s confidence in appointing Petronas as operator of one of the world’s largest gas fields was another breakthrough.
“This development could further strengthen Petronas’ global standing. As a Fortune Global 500 company currently ranked 139th, it has the potential to move closer to the top 100 if this opportunity is managed effectively,” Nga said.
Meanwhile, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the Prime Minister’s visits to Kazan and Turkmenistan were important in deepening strategic cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, energy and human capital development.
“We are proud that, through stronger bilateral ties, Petronas has been entrusted to operate one of the world’s largest gas fields in Turkmenistan.
“This not only demonstrates the ability of Malaysian companies to compete and lead globally, but also elevates Malaysia’s standing as a respected player in the international energy sector,” he said.
The Sungai Buloh MP said the development was expected to generate economic benefits for Malaysia while creating opportunities for collaboration in technology, skills development and high-skilled workforce training.
Anwar’s two-day working visit to Kazan marked a significant milestone in Malaysia-Russia relations, with both countries agreeing to strengthen cooperation in energy security, trade, investment, tourism and technology.
A key outcome of the visit was Russia’s commitment to ensuring long-term supplies of petrol, oil and gas to Malaysia. Anwar said the arrangement would bolster the country’s energy security through stable multi-year agreements rather than annual or seasonal renewals.
Following his visit to Kazan in Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan, Anwar travelled to Turkmenistan, where agreements reached with the government paved the way for Petronas to participate in the development of a major gas field in the country, which possesses some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves.
Anwar was quoted as saying that Petronas’ success in securing the project reflected international confidence in Malaysia’s capabilities, political stability and the professionalism of its home-grown companies.
