Anwar’s First Official Visit to Turkmenistan Expected to Deepen Strategic Ties and Unlock New Economic Opportunities

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s first official visit to Turkmenistan is expected to mark a new chapter in bilateral relations, with both countries looking to strengthen cooperation across strategic sectors including energy, trade, investment and technology.

The two-day visit, which began today, is taking place at the invitation of Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and coincides with the 30th anniversary of Petroliam Nasional Berhad’s (Petronas) operations in the Central Asian nation.

According to Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry, the visit is a reciprocal gesture following Berdimuhamedov’s official trip to Malaysia in December 2024.

The ministry said Anwar will lead the Malaysian delegation in a series of official engagements, beginning with a state welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace before holding bilateral talks with Berdimuhamedov.

The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic relations and exploring new areas of cooperation that could bring mutual benefits to both countries.

Among the key sectors expected to be discussed are trade and investment, oil and gas, agriculture, commodities, energy, tourism, education and people-to-people connectivity.

The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on collaboration in digital technology, science and innovation, including artificial intelligence (AI), which has emerged as a major driver of economic transformation worldwide.

Observers see the visit as part of Malaysia’s broader strategy to expand its engagement with Central Asia, a region increasingly recognised for its economic potential and strategic importance in global energy markets.

Turkmenistan is home to one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves and has long been an important destination for Malaysian investments through Petronas.

Since beginning operations there in 1996, Petronas has become one of the country’s major foreign investors and an important player in the development of Turkmenistan’s energy industry.

To date, the Malaysian national oil company has invested approximately RM52.73 billion in Turkmenistan, underscoring the significance of the bilateral relationship.

During the visit, Anwar and Berdimuhamedov are expected to witness the signing and exchange of several important documents aimed at enhancing cooperation.

One of the key agreements expected to be signed is the Air Services Agreement between Malaysia and Turkmenistan, which is anticipated to improve connectivity and facilitate tourism and business travel.

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are also expected to be concluded, covering diplomacy, transportation, science and technology as well as the oil and gas industry.

The agreements are expected to pave the way for broader cooperation and create new investment opportunities for businesses from both countries.

Apart from bilateral issues, the two leaders are also expected to discuss regional and international developments, particularly matters related to ASEAN and Central Asia.

Malaysia is expected to reaffirm its commitment to diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and peaceful engagement in addressing global challenges including energy security, climate change and economic uncertainties.

Anwar is also scheduled to officiate the Malaysia-Turkmenistan Forum, which will bring together government representatives, business leaders and investors from both countries.

The forum is expected to serve as an important platform for promoting trade and investment opportunities while enabling Malaysian companies to explore emerging markets in Central Asia.

In 2025, Turkmenistan was Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner among Central Asian countries, with total bilateral trade amounting to RM75.80 million.

Although trade volume remains relatively modest compared with Malaysia’s major partners, analysts believe there is considerable room for growth, particularly in strategic sectors such as energy, agriculture and technology.

As Malaysia seeks to diversify its economic partnerships and strengthen ties beyond traditional markets, Anwar’s official visit to Turkmenistan is expected to create fresh momentum in bilateral relations and position Malaysia as an increasingly important partner in the Central Asian region.