Malaysia and Türkiye Strengthen Strategic Alliance After Landmark High-Level Council Meeting in Ankara
Malaysia and Türkiye have reaffirmed their shared determination to elevate their comprehensive strategic partnership following the first-ever meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), held in Ankara. This historic engagement marks a new chapter in the relationship between the two nations, setting a clearer direction for deeper collaboration in the years ahead.
The council meeting was co-chaired by Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, underscoring the political will at the highest level to strengthen bilateral ties. According to a joint statement released by the Malaysian Foreign Ministry on January 8, both leaders reflected on the long-standing friendship between Malaysia and Türkiye, rooted in shared democratic values, mutual respect, and strong cultural connections.
Both countries reiterated their commitment to advancing peace, stability, and prosperity, not only bilaterally but also at regional and global levels. The leaders expressed satisfaction over several agreements signed during Prime Minister Anwar’s official visit, particularly in key sectors such as trade and investment, information and communication technologies, and the defence industry.
On economic cooperation, Malaysia and Türkiye acknowledged the steady growth of bilateral trade and reaffirmed their ambition to reach a target of US$10 billion. They emphasized the importance of fully utilizing the Malaysia–Türkiye Free Trade Agreement while expanding cooperation into new and emerging sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, digital trade, and services. The leaders also highlighted the growing importance of collaboration within the global halal economy.
In addition, both sides agreed to deepen bilateral investments and broaden cooperation across logistics, maritime connectivity, port development, aviation, and emerging economic corridors linking Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific. Special attention was given to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, recognizing their vital role in driving sustainable economic growth in both countries.
Civil aviation was identified as a key enabler of connectivity, with leaders encouraging continued engagement between aviation authorities to ensure efficient, resilient, and sustainable air transport operations for both cargo and passenger services. They also welcomed the active participation of business communities from both nations during the Türkiye–Malaysia Business Roundtable held alongside the council meeting.
In the area of defence and security, Malaysia and Türkiye recognized the strategic importance of strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, particularly in military science, technology, and industry. Both sides agreed to explore mutually beneficial high-technology projects aimed at reinforcing their joint defence industry ecosystem. They also committed to enhancing military capacity building through education and training opportunities for cadets and officers in institutions across both countries.
The leaders further reiterated their shared resolve to combat transnational organized crime and terrorism in all forms, emphasizing the need for strong international cooperation to address evolving global security challenges.
On energy and sustainability, Malaysia and Türkiye expressed their intention to expand cooperation in energy transition, renewable energy, nuclear energy, clean hydrogen, and battery technologies. Both reaffirmed their shared responsibility to address climate change in line with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, they welcomed continued engagement on climate action ahead of Türkiye’s presidency of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
People-to-people connections were also highlighted as a cornerstone of the partnership. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in culture, education, tourism, and media, with Türkiye expressing support for Malaysia’s “Visit Malaysia 2026” initiative.
On regional and global issues, Malaysia and Türkiye reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine. They stressed the urgent need for humanitarian access to Gaza and emphasized the importance of multilateralism and meaningful reform of the United Nations.
The joint statement concluded that the inaugural HLSCC has laid a strong foundation for a comprehensive roadmap to deepen bilateral relations. Both leaders agreed to convene the second High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting in Malaysia in 2028, signaling sustained momentum and long-term commitment.
At its heart, this meeting was more than diplomacy on paper. It reflected two nations choosing partnership over distance, cooperation over hesitation, and a shared future over short-term interests. For Malaysia and Türkiye, this renewed alliance is not just about agreements signed, but about trust strengthened and possibilities expanded for their people.