Malaysia, Turkmenistan eyeing more energy cooperation

Malaysia and Turkmenistan are eyeing on more cooperation on energy as Malaysia's state-owned oil company Patronas is investing heavily on gas production in the Caspian Sea. Malaysia will be a "true partner" of Turkmenistan in development of oil and gas, Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Wednesday after holding talk with Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, who is on a three-day state visit to Malaysia. Najib said he and Berdymukhamedov talked about Petronas' investment of 5.6 billion U.S. dollars for the production of gas in the Caspian Sea, and the discussion was very "fruitful and productive". He said Berdymukhamedov responded positively to Petronas' involvement in gas production, and had showed willingness to consider the company's request to set up an offshore gas platform. Berdymukhamedov, who is scheduled to visit Petronas Twin Towers during his stay, said the meeting with Najib showed that both countries were keen to explore investment opportunities, expand trade and economic cooperation in various aspects. "The possibility for effective cooperation in implementing the joint projects in energy, transportation, telecommunication, construction, oil and gas processing, chemical industry, high- technology and tourism is great," he said.