Malaysia and Turkiye aim for $10 billion in bilateral trade, deepening ties in defence, energy and halal economy through new high-level council.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive strategic partnership following the inaugural meeting of their High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC).
The meeting in Ankara was co-chaired by Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
A joint statement noted both leaders expressed satisfaction with new agreements signed in trade, investment, ICT and the defence industry.
They reiterated an ambition to reach a bilateral trade target of USD 10 billion.
The leaders highlighted the importance of fully utilising the Malaysia–Turkiye Free Trade Agreement and expanding cooperation into new sectors like agriculture, manufacturing and digital trade.
“They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in the global halal economy,” the statement said.
Agreements were made to deepen investments and expand cooperation across logistics, maritime connectivity and aviation.
Both sides recognised the strategic importance of bilateral defence cooperation in military technology and industry.
“The leaders reiterated their shared commitment to combating transnational organised crime and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the statement read.
On energy, the nations expressed an intention to expand cooperation in renewable energy, nuclear energy and clean hydrogen technologies.
They reaffirmed a shared responsibility to address climate change in line with the Paris Agreement.
The leaders also agreed to strengthen people-to-people ties through enhanced cooperation in culture, education and tourism.
Turkiye expressed support for the “Visit Malaysia 2026” initiative.
On global issues, both sides reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine.
The inaugural HLSCC laid the foundation for a comprehensive roadmap to deepen bilateral ties.
Both sides agreed to hold the Second High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council Meeting in Malaysia in 2028.
