PM Anwar’s Visits To Kazan And Ashgabat Yield Benefits For The People

PUTRAJAYA, June 26 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent working visits to Kazan, Russia and Ashgabat, Turkmenistan have yielded several strategic achievements expected to strengthen Malaysia’s development agenda and deliver long-term benefits to the people.

MADANI Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the visit to Kazan marked a new chapter in Malaysia’s energy security, following Russia’s commitment to supply crude oil, gas and diesel to Malaysia under a long-term agreement.

He said the visit to Ashgabat also recorded another significant milestone when PETRONAS, through its wholly owned subsidiary Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd, secured rights to develop two major gas blocks, further strengthening the company’s position as one of the world’s leading gas companies.

“The impact and implications of these achievements are certainly a matter of pride, not only due to PETRONAS’ presence in Turkmenistan for more than 30 years, but also for Malaysians, as the returns generated will be channelled back in the form of dividends and used for national development,” he told a weekly press conference here today.

Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, said both developments were among the factors that enabled the Prime Minister to announce a reduction in diesel prices on June 21.

“So, we can see that these three developments will, God willing, have a positive impact on the people’s economy,” he said.

Anwar was in Kazan to attend the 35th ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

The visit also saw Malaysia and Russia agreeing to strengthen cooperation in energy security, trade, investment, tourism and technology.

A significant milestone during the visit to Ashgabat was the formalisation of a Framework Agreement on Long-Term Cooperation for the Development of Hydrocarbon Resources of Turkmenistan between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of Turkmenistan.

The agreement provides a structured platform for both countries to expand 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.

-- BERNAMA