National oil firm Petronas said today it has signed two deals with Uzbekistan in a move that will boost cooperation in the oil and gas sector between the two countries.

Petronas signed the deal with Uzbekistan's national oil company Uzbekneftegaz National Holding Company (UNG) to explore oil and gas opportunities in both countries, it said in a statement.

A joint study agreement had also been signed to conduct a joint technical study in Uzbekistan's Baisun Investment Block.

The study, expected to be completed in 18 months, would "pave the way for the execution of a Production Sharing Agreement for the onshore block," it said.

Uzbek leader visits KL

The deals were signed here on Monday in conjunction with the visit of Uzbek President Islam Karimov to Malaysia.

Last month, Petronas subsidiary Petronas Carigali Overseas entered a consortium to explore in Uzbek territorial waters of the Aral Sea.

Other members of the consortium are UNG, CNPC International Ltd, Korea National Oil Corporation and Lukoil Overseas Holding Ltd.