PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia, via PETRONAS, will prioritise its domestic energy needs before exploring further cooperation with Australia, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said he had discussed energy cooperation with Australia, describing it as a useful exchange.
"These are, of course, trying and difficult times. But as friends and given our excellent bilateral relations, we prioritise this cooperation.
"So we have to look at all the details. We also met with PETRONAS’ leadership, and they will continue detailed discussions.
"What we need to do, of course, is to first look at our domestic requirements and Australia’s domestic energy requirements, and then see where we can assist each other on a quid pro quo basis," Anwar said during a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Perdana Putra Complex here on Thursday (April 16).
There are issues in certain areas where Malaysia needs support from Australia, as well as items Australia needs from Malaysia, Anwar added.
"So I think it will certainly be beneficial to both countries," he said.
Meanwhile, Albanese said Australia is a major LNG exporter to Malaysia.
"And of course, we receive a range of products, including fuel and fertilisers, from here in Malaysia.
"One of the discussions we had was around the prospect of further enhancing those relationships, and we’ve tasked PETRONAS and my department here with further work on how we can manage what are very challenging times for both of our nations, as it is around the globe," said the Australian Prime Minister.
"But Australia is very confident that we will, of course, fulfil the contracts that we have with Malaysia because we regard that security as vital to our relationships in the region," he said.
