KUALA LUMPUR — BRICS International Malaysia has described Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent official visits to Russia and Turkmenistan as a positive step towards strengthening Malaysia’s long-term energy security, particularly in oil and gas supply resilience and broader strategic economic cooperation.
Its chairman Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Sufian said the engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov reflect Malaysia’s capacity to sustain constructive relations with major global blocs while advancing its own national economic interests, Bernama reported.
“The assurance from Russia to support Malaysia’s long-term oil, gas and diesel supply requirements represents a positive and timely development,” he said in a statement.
He added that the strategic collaboration involving Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Turkmenistan marks a key milestone in bilateral relations, building on more than 30 years of cooperation in the oil and gas sector.
According to him, Petronas’ continued operations in Turkmenistan highlight Malaysia’s recognised strengths in upstream energy activities, including technology transfer, talent development and responsible resource management.
“The reported progress involving one of the world’s largest gas fields is a significant achievement for Petronas and a strong affirmation of Malaysian capabilities on the international stage,” he said.
Jaziri said the outcomes of the visits underscore Malaysia’s approach to diversified energy diplomacy, aimed at enhancing supply security, expanding commercial opportunities, and positioning the country as a connector between Asean, Central Asia, Eurasia and the wider Global South.
He noted that this approach aligns with Malaysia’s independent, pragmatic and non-aligned foreign policy stance.
Beyond trade and investment expansion, he said the Malaysia–Turkmenistan partnership also supports broader South-South cooperation and contributes to greater economic flexibility in an increasingly multipolar global environment.
“Energy security remains a critical pillar of national resilience. A robust long-term cooperation framework with Russia, complemented by deeper upstream energy collaboration with Turkmenistan, can support Malaysia’s long-term economic objectives while creating opportunities for Malaysian companies across trading, refining, logistics, technology, training, infrastructure and investment sectors,” he said.
Jaziri stressed that any future arrangements must be supported by strong governance standards, including rigorous due diligence, transparency, financial viability and full compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
BRICS International Malaysia also believes the developments could pave the way for wider cooperation beyond oil and gas, including energy transition, technology, food security, the halal industry, Islamic finance, industrial development, the digital economy, education and regional connectivity.
“We encourage policymakers, businesses and stakeholders to build upon this momentum in a strategic and responsible manner to strengthen Malaysia’s long-term resilience, economic competitiveness, and role within the emerging Global South and the evolving BRICS economic framework,” he said. — June 21, 2026