Malaysia, Australia Strengthen Energy Security Cooperation, Commit To Open Trade, Resilient Supply Chains

PUTRAJAYA, April 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring stable and resilient energy supplies, with both leaders Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Anthony Albanese stressing the importance of open and predictable trade flows amid global uncertainties.

They said both countries have committed to promote open and stable trade flows between the two nations, including for essential energy supplies.

“We will exchange views on energy trade-related matters on a ‘no surprises’ basis, and deepen practical cooperation on energy security for both countries to achieve shared goals,” they said.

Anwar and Albanese added that both countries are also committed to strengthening energy supply chain resilience, including through deeper regional cooperation, support for energy transition efforts and the promotion of renewable energy adoption.

“Open and resilient global energy supplies remain deeply important to the security and prosperity of our peoples, and we will continue to consult on developments that may affect energy supply and markets,” they said in a joint statement issued today in conjunction with a joint press conference here today.

Albanese, who is on a three-day official visit to Malaysia, was accorded an official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex here today.

The statement said that Malaysia and Australia share a longstanding friendship underpinned by their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), with both nations having a common interest in ensuring regional prosperity, stability and economic growth.

“Our close relationship is grounded in strategic trust, and a mutual commitment to open markets and rules-based trade.”

The joint statement, which both leaders had signed earlier today, also highlighted concerns over the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its implications for global energy markets.

“Australia and Malaysia share deep concern over the conflict in West Asia, its escalation and the consequences for our region, including the impact on energy supply chains, prices and flows of essential energy supplies such as the oil and natural gas value chains,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Anwar emphasised Malaysia’s longstanding reliability as a partner to Australia.

“Malaysia will always be a reliable partner to Australia. We will be mates through thick and thin, as we have always been,” he said.

Anwar said both leaders witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) and Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, aimed at enhancing market access for both countries.

He said Malaysia and Australia also agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, including sharing expertise in production and irrigation.

Australia is a significant economic partner for Malaysia, ranking as Malaysia’s 12th largest trading partner in 2025, with total bilateral trade valued at RM78.63 billion (US$18.38 billion).

Malaysia and Australia elevated their relations to a CSP in 2021, providing a framework to further expand cooperation across three key pillars: economic prosperity, society and technology, and defence and regional security.

-- BERNAMA