Turkiye-Malaysia: A Partnership Rooted In Trust, Growing In Vision

By Nabilah Saleh

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- Turkiye and Malaysia have set a new course for their partnership, deepening cooperation in diplomacy, trade and defence during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Kuala Lumpur recently. 

Over two days, Erdogan and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim laid the groundwork for stronger ties, reaffirming their commitment to a structured and forward-looking relation.

The visit came at a crucial time as both nations sought to reinforce their shared ambitions while navigating global uncertainties. 

Turkiye’s Ambassador to Malaysia Emir Salim Yuksel described the visit as a “critical opportunity to review our bilateral relations and reaffirm our shared direction”. 

He said this in a written statement provided to Bernama International News Service. 

He highlighted that the bilateral documents signed during the visit were key milestones, allowing both nations to diversify cooperation in defence, disaster management, Arctic studies, and diplomatic training.

One of the most significant takeaways was the establishment of the Turkiye-Malaysia High-Level Strategic Council (HLSC). 

Yuksel highlighted it as a “framework to ensure the structured and systematic functioning of our cooperation”. 

The council will complement the existing Joint Commission Meetings and serve as a mechanism for closer engagement on diplomatic, economic and security issues. 

“This is an opportunity not only for the deepening of our ongoing collaborations but also for close communication in new areas of cooperation,” he added.

Economic cooperation emerged as a key pillar of the visit, with both leaders setting an ambitious trade target of US$10 billion. 

Under the Turkiye-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which holds historical significance as Turkiye’s first FTA with an ASEAN nation, bilateral trade volume has already surpassed US$5 billion in 2024. 

Erdogan made it clear that he intends to double this figure, while Anwar stressed the importance of expanding collaboration in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and renewable energy.

“Our top priority is to further deepen economic ties between our countries on a win-win basis,” Yuksel said, noting that the Turkiye-Malaysia Business Forum provided a vital platform for business leaders from both countries to explore investment opportunities. 

Several memoranda of agreement (MoUs) were signed during the event, reinforcing the vision for mutual industrial growth and innovation.

Defence collaboration remains one of the most dynamic aspects of Turkiye-Malaysia relations. 

Yuksel said the defence industry is a key driver of bilateral ties, highlighting the reciprocal visits of defence ministers and the signing of key agreements that have strengthened cooperation. 

"One of the key testaments to our commitment to joint capacity-building is the robust presence of various Turkish companies in Malaysia.

“They collectively employ over 100 brilliant Malaysian engineers, offering creative and insightful solutions in this highly competitive sector,” he said.

Turkiye has positioned itself not merely as a defence supplier but as a partner in joint production. 

Yuksel emphasised that Turkiye's approach is based on technology sharing and a win-win philosophy, adding, "Malaysia is not a market for us, but a partner for joint projects." 

This commitment was further reinforced by Malaysia’s procurement of ANKA Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial System (MALE-UAS), with the first units set to arrive in Malaysia this year.

Beyond trade and defence, the visit also underscored the moral and diplomatic responsibilities both nations share on global issues. 

Turkiye and Malaysia stood firm in their support for Palestine, calling for full recognition of Palestine at the United Nations and pledging coordinated efforts for rebuilding Gaza.

“The leaders have empathetically called the global community and leadership to speak up against the genocide in Gaza,” Yuksel said, adding that Turkiye and Malaysia remain committed to advancing security, peace and humanitarian efforts in conflict zones. 

He also praised Malaysia’s strong and consistent stance on Palestine, saying, "We sincerely appreciate Malaysia’s principled position in calling out the war crimes committed in Gaza and its unwavering stance on the issue of Palestine."

Cultural and educational exchanges were also highlighted as vital areas for strengthening ties. 

Approximately 100,000 Malaysian tourists visit Turkiye annually, with efforts now being made to increase Turkish tourism to Malaysia under the Visit Malaysia 2026 initiative. 

The Yunus Emre Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur has been instrumental in fostering cultural ties, offering Turkish language courses and exchange programmes. 

"We welcome more Malaysian students to Turkiye through the Turkiye Scholarships programme and continue our promotional efforts to support this goal," Yuksel said.

Turkiye’s engagement in the Asia-Pacific region was another key discussion point, particularly as Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025. 

Yuksel pointed out that ASEAN is “a crucial platform shaping the future of the region”, adding that Turkiye is eager to expand its role. 

Anwar, in turn, proposed Turkiye as a potential ASEAN dialogue partner, an idea welcomed by Turkiye as part of its Asia Anew Initiative.

“As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 under the theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, we are confident that Malaysia will make significant contributions to address regional challenges,” Yuksel said, expressing Turkiye’s full support for Malaysia’s leadership role in ASEAN.

As Turkiye and Malaysia mark 60 years of diplomatic ties, this visit was more than just a reaffirmation of friendship – it was a moment to set the trajectory for the next decade of cooperation. 

With Anwar expected to visit Turkiye next, the first HLSC meeting will be the true test of how far these renewed commitments will go.

For now, as the agreements take shape and the collaboration expands, one thing remains clear – this partnership is no longer just about history but about shaping the future.

-- BERNAMA