Talking Points by Bassem Tadros, Senior Vice President, ADNOC/XRG, at OGT 2026

Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a privilege to join you in Turkmenistan, a nation with a proud heritage, generous hospitality and capable people.

I offer my sincere appreciation to His Excellency President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and to His Excellency Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty.

This year, I am delighted to address this distinguished gathering of industry leaders from around the world as a representative of ADNOC’s XRG for the third consecutive year.

OGT is being held at an important time for ADNOC, when we are preparing to host the global energy industry at ADIPEC in November.

I hope we can continue the conversations that we have in Ashgabat in Abu Dhabi.

Successful History

Over that time, our partnerships in Turkmenistan — and our commitment to the country’s energy future — have grown significantly.

Our commitment to Turkmenistan is not only expressed in words; it is reflected in long-term investment, shared responsibility and a partnership built for the future.

Our strong and growing relationship builds on our 38% participating interest in the offshore Block I gas and condensate fields in Turkmenistan’s sector of the Caspian Sea.

The Production Sharing Contract brings together PETRONAS as operator with XRG and State Enterprise Hazarnebit, in partnership with the State Concern Turkmennebit.

Block I currently produces up to 400 million cubic feet of natural gas per day and provides access to more than 7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas resources, with potential for future production growth.

ADNOC’s XRG and PETRONAS have signed a long-term Gas Sales Agreement with State Concern Turkmengas, reinforcing a partnership designed to support supply stability, economic value and Turkmenistan’s long-term energy ambitions.

Long-Term Commitment

For ADNOC and XRG, this is both a strategic investment and a long-term commitment to Turkmenistan.

These partnerships strengthen government relationships, expand our presence in the Caspian region and create a platform for deeper cooperation over time.

We approach our partnerships here with the greatest respect for Turkmenistan’s priorities and for the national institutions guiding its energy future, because energy cooperation succeeds when all parties are moving in the same direction.

From our perspective, the question is how long-term partnership can support stakeholder priorities through reliable energy, sound investment and lasting value for the Turkmen people.

For families, businesses and communities across Turkmenistan, energy cooperation matters when it supports dependable supply and economic opportunity.

Reliability and affordability are practical priorities that benefit society.

We must also keep responsible energy development at the heart of the conversation.

Safety, environmental considerations and sound governance should inform investment decisions from the outset.

Reliability, affordability and responsibility need to be considered together, not treated as competing ambitions.

The Strength of Partnerships

We believe that the strongest partnerships bring new capabilities to the table while enhancing outcomes for all stakeholders.

Turkmenistan’s great strength is its own capabilities: the knowledge of its institutions, the experience of its energy professionals and the aspirations of its people.

International participation should build on this foundation by bringing relevant expertise, experience and perspective.

A balanced partnership brings different capabilities together around a national purpose.

Local understanding, technical experience and a long-term investment perspective are most useful when partners share clear responsibilities and mutual respect.

As a long-term partner, we look for strategic alignment, high-quality partners and opportunities where our experience can support the host country’s objectives.

We see all three clearly in Turkmenistan.

People and local value are an essential part of that assessment.

That commitment is visible in our growing office in the heart of Ashgabat, staffed by highly talented and experienced Turkmen professionals.

We look forward to expanding this presence as our relationship with Turkmenistan continues to grow and prosper.

Discipline

Long-term ambition needs more than enthusiasm; it only becomes credible through disciplined decisions and confidence to see them through.

Disciplined investment needs a sound understanding of the resource, the infrastructure required for development, commercial fundamentals and the institutions responsible for delivery.

Disciplined capital means testing an opportunity carefully: strategic alignment, technical feasibility, competitive economics, clear governance and realistic sequencing.

Careful preparation and creative solutions can overcome challenges while protecting the long-term interests of the host nation and its partners.

This is why Turkmenistan is an increasingly important part of ADNOC’s XRG global gas portfolio.

Here, we have found strong partners, a supportive government, capable people and a shared commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships.

Disciplined investment focused on long-term goals can create benefits across society.

Closing

Let me close by thanking the people and leadership of Turkmenistan, along with our partners across the country.

We are deeply grateful for your hospitality, your leadership and your commitment to working together to address the world’s energy challenges.

Turkmenistan is playing a leading role in regional energy cooperation.

Its natural resources position the country to make a significant contribution to energy security for decades to come.

Together, we will create a more reliable, affordable and responsible energy future.

Thank you.