Recent announcements from MGM Mirage show that despite laboring under a $14 billion debt load, the company remains committed to expanding its global reach. The company announced plans to build a non-gaming hotel in Egypt, and an investment in the company from Malaysia-based Genting.

Genting purchased 14.3 million shares of MGM Mirage—3.2 percent of the company—for $100 million last month. Genting also purchased $100 million in MGM Mirage corporate bonds.

“We are constantly looking to broaden our portfolio of strategic investments and strengthen partnership around the world,” Justin Leong, who oversees strategic investments and corporate affairs for Genting, told the Financial Times.

The announcement has a number of people speculating about possible development partnerships between the two companies.

Bill Lerner of Union Gaming Group told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that Genting is interested in expanding into new markets, particularly Las Vegas and Macau.

The investment could set up Genting as a possible partner for MGM Mirage to operate its MGM Grand Macau. The company might be forced to break off its partnership with Pansy Ho if the New Jersey Casino Control Commission agrees with the recommendation of the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement, which found Ho an unsuitable partner.

A hearing is scheduled for later this year on the issue, but depending on the ruling, MGM Mirage could be forced to either dissolve the partnership with Ho or relinquish its 50 percent ownership of the Borgata in Atlantic City.

“We’re just starting to brainstorm about global marketing relationships, strategic ventures and partnerships,” MGM Mirage CEO Jim Murren told the Wall Street Journal.  He said the company will explore all available options in light of the New Jersey situation.

MGM Mirage also announced last month plans to build an MGM Grand hotel in Egypt through a partnership with New Giza for Real Estate Development. The project will be called the MGM Grand New Giza.

The 550-room hotel is scheduled to open in 2013. All equity funding for the development will be provided by New Giza for Real Estate Development. MGM Mirage will provide management services.

The New Giza property will be the company’s 10th MGM Grand-branded hotel. In addition to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and the MGM Grand Detroit, there is also the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Connecticut, the MGM Grand Macau and properties under development in Vietnam, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and China.

The New Giza development is a luxury, mixed-use community being built on 1,500 acres near the base of the pyramids. It will include three hotels, retail and dining outlets, sporting facilities and a golf course and some 2,500 residential units.