Malaysia is considering sending financial advisers to Papua New Guinea.
The Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, ended a two-day visit to PNG over the weekend with an agreement to bolster ties between the two nations.
PNG's Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare, wants to turn to the country's Asian neighbours to support development.
The two prime ministers agreed that Malaysia was becoming one of Papua New Guinea's important development partners.
The leaders discussed the various sectors where Malaysian advisers and expertise may be needed, including finance and banking, public sector reform and private sector development.
The prime ministers also agreed to try and develop PNG's oil, gas, tourism, rubber and oil palm industries through Malaysian companies.
But Mahathir told reporters Malaysia was not considering offering PNG direct financial aid.
