President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye announced ambitions to double trade with Malaysia to US$10 billion annually, highlighting a strategic focus on technological cooperation and joint production. Speaking at a public lecture at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, Erdogan outlined the progress made in reaching a trade volume of over US$5 billion in 2024 and expressed plans to expand into sectors including semiconductors, automotive, aircraft technologies, and civil simulators.
Erdogan emphasized the unique positions of Turkiye and Malaysia as gateways between Asia and Europe, aiming to enhance the aviation bridge further. He noted significant Malaysian involvement in operating Turkiye’s second-largest airport. Describing Malaysia as a leader in the region with a dynamic economy and skilled workforce, Erdogan remarked on the fruitful outcomes of the bilateral relationship.
The cooperation extends to defense, where Turkish Aviation Industries in Malaysia employs over 100 Malaysian engineers and contributes to projects like the Littoral Mission Ships and ANKA unmanned aerial vehicles. Additionally, Erdogan’s contributions to global diplomacy were recognized with an Honorary Doctorate in International Relations from Universiti Malaya.
During his two-day visit, which includes official meetings with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Erdogan’s agenda underscores deepening ties and shared initiatives between Turkiye and Malaysia, reflecting a broader strategy to enhance bilateral relations through substantial technological and industrial collaboration.