Turkmenistan is actively diversifying its diplomatic and economic partnerships by targeting Southeast Asia, seeking to move beyond its traditional dependence on regional energy markets. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov met with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Jakarta on July 14 to formalize interest in cooperation across trade, energy, and transport sectors.
Energy Expansion and the Petronas Connection
Malaysia’s state-owned oil and gas company, Petronas, is a driver behind this deepening relationship. Operating in Turkmenistan since 1996, the company recently secured new production-sharing agreements for two offshore blocks in the Caspian Sea. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that drilling at these sites is scheduled to begin as early as December, a timeline he described as among the fastest that has ever happened for the industry, according to reports from the New Straits Times.
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The acceleration of the Petronas drilling project is notable for its speed. While standard industry expectations for such operations typically range from one-and-a-half to two years before drilling begins, the project in Turkmenistan is expected to move from agreement to drilling in less than half that time.
Trade and Logistics Hurdles
While energy ties are strengthening, broader trade between Turkmenistan and Southeast Asian nations remains modest. Currently, Turkmenistan’s trade is heavily dominated by China, which serves as the primary buyer of the country’s natural gas, alongside established relationships with Russia, Turkey, and neighboring Central Asian states. During his July visit to Jakarta, Deputy Foreign Minister Gurbanov also held talks with Indonesia’s deputy trade minister, Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, to discuss potential improvements in logistics and transport infrastructure, which are seen as essential for scaling trade volumes beyond energy commodities.
Tourism Growth and Direct Aviation
Tourism has emerged as a secondary pillar of the Southeast Asian engagement strategy. Government data reported by Turkmen state media indicates a 42.5% increase in visitors from Turkmenistan to Malaysia in 2025, totaling 10,750 travelers. This upward trend follows the launch of direct flights between Ashgabat and Kuala Lumpur by Turkmenistan Airlines in February 2024. Officials from both nations recently met in Ashgabat to discuss sustaining this momentum, noting that interest in travel is increasingly reciprocal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Turkmenistan looking to partner with ASEAN?
Turkmenistan is seeking to diversify its economic ties and reduce its heavy reliance on a limited number of existing trade partners, such as China and Russia, by exploring new opportunities in energy and logistics within Southeast Asia.
What role does Petronas play in these relations?
Petronas is a Malaysian entity operating in Turkmenistan. Its recent expansion into new offshore Caspian Sea blocks serves as a foundation for broader economic cooperation between the two countries.
Is travel between Turkmenistan and Southeast Asia increasing?
Yes. Data shows a 42.5% increase in Turkmen citizens traveling to Malaysia in 2025 compared to the previous year, supported by the establishment of direct flights between the two capitals in 2024.
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