Malaysia and Turkiye agree to strengthen cooperation in defence, energy, and high-tech industries, leveraging each other’s strengths for mutual growth.
ISTANBUL: Malaysia and Turkiye have agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation by leveraging their respective strengths in defence, energy, and high-technology industries.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Turkiye is recognised for its advanced technologies in defence, aerospace, and the nuclear industry.
“You (Turkiye) have your strengths, for example, the strongest in the defence industry…. including (in) drones,” he said at a roundtable meeting with Turkish industry leaders.
He stated both countries should focus on new technologies like artificial intelligence, banking on Malaysia’s strength in energy, semiconductors, and electrical and electronics.
“We are a leading player now in the region for semiconductor and E&E, and (in terms of) major investments from the United States, still number one,” he added.
Anwar said this synergy would open doors to mutually beneficial cooperation in new technologies, knowledge transfer, and regional market expansion.
He emphasised the combination of Turkiye’s strengths in defence and manufacturing with Malaysia’s high-tech and energy advantages creates a strong foundation for long-term cooperation.
This approach enhances bilateral trade and investment while strengthening both nations’ roles as strategic hubs in their respective regions.
The cooperation will be driven through active private sector engagement, industrial partnerships, and joint investments with high economic return potential.
In a statement, Anwar said close cooperation between companies will catalyse rapid growth in trade, investment, and technology transfer.
He invited Turkish companies to expand their presence in Malaysia by leveraging its stable ecosystem, skilled workforce, and strategic position as an ASEAN gateway.
The government will facilitate business through a more efficient and investor-friendly process to ensure added value and job opportunities.
The meeting was attended by 46 Turkish companies, including key players like STM, Turkish Aerospace Industries, and ASELSAN.
It was organised by MATRADE and MIDA, with Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and seven Malaysian companies also present.
Malaysia’s trade with Turkiye from January to November 2025 reached RM21.2 billion.
In 2024, Turkiye was Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner and largest export destination among West Asian countries, with total trade valued at RM24.15 billion.
