Malaysia's national oil company Petronas has invested 11 billion USD in Turkmenistan's oil and gas sector since it began operations in the country in 1996, Malaysian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Mohd Suhaimi Bin Ahmad Tajuddin said at a diplomatic reception to mark the 67th National Day of Malaysia.

“Turkmenistan has been an important international partner of Malaysia since diplomatic relations between the two countries began 32 years ago. With unwavering confidence in Turkmenistan’s capabilities and economic potential, Malaysia did not wait long to begin making significant investments in Turkmenistan’s oil and gas sector through its national oil company, Petronas, in 1996.

To date, Petronas has invested 11 billion USD in Turkmenistan's oil and gas sector. These investments have not only contributed to Turkmenistan's energy sector, but have also extended to education and various corporate social responsibility programs, which have had a positive impact on the lives of local people”, - the NCA agency quotes the diplomat as saying.

According to the Malaysian Ambassador, the constant presence of Petronas executives and their families in Turkmenistan has made a significant contribution to the development of bilateral relations.

“Through personal interactions and various promotional initiatives, we have seen a surge in the number of Turkmen students pursuing higher education in Malaysian universities and Turkmen tourists exploring the diverse landscapes of Malaysia. I would like to commend “Turkmen Airlines” for launching a direct Ashgabat-Kuala Lumpur flight in February this year, which further facilitates travel and exchanges”, - added Mohd Suhaimi Bin Ahmad Tajuddin.