Malaysia’s Minister of Economy Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the country is ready to expand long-term cooperation with Turkmenistan in the oil and gas sector. He made the remarks on October 21 at the opening plenary session of the Turkmenistan International Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference (OGT 2026) in Ashgabat. This was reported by Turkmenportal.

The Malaysian minister noted that cooperation between the two countries has continued for more than 30 years. PETRONAS, which has been operating in Turkmenistan since 1996, has contributed to the development of hydrocarbon resources, infrastructure and professional training.

In June 2026, a Malaysian delegation visited Turkmenistan to mark the 30th anniversary of PETRONAS’s operations in the country. Following talks between the Malaysian Prime Minister and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with a particular focus on the oil and gas industry. During the visit, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir and Guvanch Agajanov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, signed a framework agreement on long-term cooperation in the development of Turkmenistan’s hydrocarbon resources.

Malaysia is represented at OGT 2026 by more than 15 companies specialising in oil and gas services and equipment. Seven of them are exhibiting in the national pavilion organised with the support of the Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC). The minister invited Turkmen companies, government agencies and investors to visit the pavilion and explore its exhibits.

Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir emphasised that the development of new fields requires advanced engineering solutions, project management, offshore operations and specialised technical services. Malaysian companies are ready to share their expertise in the design and construction of facilities, equipment maintenance, drilling, digitalisation, industrial safety, workforce training and the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies.

The minister also highlighted the importance of creating jobs for Turkmenistan’s citizens, engaging local suppliers, transferring technology and developing national expertise. According to the minister, Malaysia is ready to support these efforts through investment, professional training and the development of local supply chains.

The opening ceremony of OGT 2026 was also attended by Maksat Babayev, State Minister and Chairman of the State Concern Turkmengas, along with other officials. The exhibition and conference are being held in Ashgabat under the theme “Energy. Partnership. Progress.”