Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS), through its wholly owned subsidiary PETRONAS Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd, marked three decades of operations in Turkmenistan on Friday with the signing of several strategic agreements aimed at strengthening its long-established relationship with the country.
Commemorating Three Decades of Collaboration
The occasion coincided with the official visit of Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Turkmenistan, highlighting 30 years of cooperation between the two nations founded on mutual trust, shared ambitions and value creation through the energy industry. The prime minister concluded a two-day official visit to Turkmenistan on 19th June 2026. In a statement, PETRONAS said PC(T)SB had entered into new strategic agreements with State Concern Turkmennebit (Turkmennebit) and State Enterprise Hazarnebit (Hazarnebit), supporting the company’s efforts to expand its upstream activities and reinforce its presence in the Caspian Sea.
Strategic Agreements for Offshore Expansion
Production Sharing and Exploration Framework
PETRONAS stated, “The agreements comprise a production sharing agreement (PSA), covering offshore Block 19 and Block 20, as well as a cooperation agreement (CA) on 2D seismic studies for the northern offshore blocks.”
The company noted that these strategic agreements demonstrate a joint commitment to creating future opportunities, improving understanding of subsurface resources and reinforcing Turkmenistan’s role as a contributor to regional and global energy supply. The PSA was signed by PETRONAS chief operating officer and executive vice-president and chief executive officer of upstream Mohd Jukris Abdul Wahab on behalf of PC(T)SB, together with chairman of Turkmennebit Guvanch Agajanov and Hazarnebit director Esetov Amanmuhammet. The CA was signed by Mohd Jukris and Agajanov, while the ceremony was witnessed by Anwar and Turkmenistan president Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Under the PSA, PC(T)SB will obtain a 100% participating interest in Block 19 and Block 20, providing PETRONAS with access to new exploration acreage in Turkmenistan. The CA, meanwhile, facilitates the acquisition of additional seismic data to close existing information gaps and support a more detailed assessment of the northern offshore blocks.
Broader Bilateral Cooperation Framework
At the same time, a framework agreement on long-term cooperation for the development of hydrocarbon resources of Turkmenistan was formalised between the government of Malaysia, represented by Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, and the government of Turkmenistan, represented by Agajanov in his role as deputy chairman of the Cabinet of ministers of Turkmenistan.
PETRONAS stated, “The agreement provides a framework for exploring broader areas of collaboration, including the potential development of the Galkynysh field, as well as opportunities across downstream and adjacent sectors such as oil refining, gas processing and gas chemicals.”
Mohd Jukris said the strategic agreements underscore PETRONAS’ confidence in the future potential of Turkmenistan’s energy industry and the value of long-term partnerships built on technical cooperation and mutual respect.
“We want to express our gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the national leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for their support to PETRONAS’ operations, and their leadership that has brought this Malaysia-Turkmenistan relationship to a new height,” he said.
He added that PETRONAS remains dedicated to collaborating with partners to responsibly develop resources, improve energy resilience and create sustainable value wherever it operates.
As part of the anniversary programme, PETRONAS and Turkmennebit jointly hosted the Turkmenistan-Malaysia: 30 Years of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Sector Forum and Exhibition, attracting more than 500 participants from government agencies, industry stakeholders, Malaysian companies operating in Turkmenistan and the wider energy community. PETRONAS said the event provided a venue for industry experts and thought leaders to discuss emerging opportunities, changing industry dynamics and the future of energy development in Turkmenistan.
Workforce Development and Community Development Initiatives
Alongside the forum, the company presented a two-day exhibition highlighting key milestones since 1996, including contributions to the country’s energy sector, investments in local capability development and enduring partnerships. “PETRONAS has demonstrated commitment to developing local talent and strengthening national capabilities in Turkmenistan,” PETRONAS stated.
Over the past 30 years, PETRONAS has trained 235 local technicians and awarded scholarships to 188 Turkmen students to study at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS and PETRONAS’ technical training facilities in Malaysia. The company also supported community initiatives such as the renovation of schools in Kiyanly.
“These long-term investments have helped nurture a highly skilled local workforce, with more than 1,000 Turkmen nationals employed so far, making up close to 90% of PC(T)SB’s workforce in the country. Together, they reflect PETRONAS’ commitment to creating lasting value through knowledge transfer, capability development and meaningful partnerships that extend beyond its operations,”PETRONAS added.
PETRONAS further reaffirmed its role as a trusted and enduring partner committed to supporting energy security, strengthening bilateral relations and delivering shared prosperity in the years ahead.
