Malaysia strengthens South-South cooperation and energy ties

Malaysia is advancing its South-South cooperation through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), focusing on human capital development, technical assistance, and capacity building among developing nations. Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni stated that the program emphasizes equal partnerships and mutual respect. During the 12th Malaysia Plan, the MTCP funded 330 capacity-building programs benefiting 5,609 participants from 144 developing countries.

In the energy sector, Malaysia is expanding commercial opportunities with Turkmenistan. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd. Nasir highlighted that this collaboration aims to open international markets for Malaysian oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) companies. The initiative builds upon Petronas’s 30-year presence in Turkmenistan and a long-term hydrocarbon development framework agreement signed during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to the country in June. A memorandum of understanding between Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) and Turkmennebit is expected to further facilitate cooperation in the OGSE sector.