Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent three-day official visit to Turkiye has marked a significant strategic recalibration in Malaysia-Turkiye relations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia chairman Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah stated that the visit has elevated bilateral ties to a more structured, long-term partnership anchored in mutual interests and shared global perspectives.
Mohd Faiz emphasized that the visit underscored Malaysia's intent to deepen cooperation with Turkiye across key sectors, including trade, defence, security, technology, and governance. This approach aligns with Malaysia's long-standing foreign policy of active non-alignment and balanced relations with major powers.
Mohd Faiz highlighted a crucial outcome of the visit-the establishment of the Malaysia-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). This council formalises bilateral engagement at the highest level and indicates a transition from ad hoc cooperation to a more predictable and institutionalised strategic partnership.
From a trade perspective, Malaysia and Turkiye have set an ambitious target of USD10 billion by 2026, a significant increase from the USD4.92 billion recorded between January and November 2025. High-value sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, data centres, energy, advanced electrical and electronics, agri-commodities, halal food products, and rare earths from Malaysia are expected to drive this growth.
On Turkiye's side, sectors such as advanced defence manufacturing, automotive and construction, research and development, higher education, and industrial design are pivotal. Mohd Faiz also highlighted Anwar's longstanding friendship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a positive factor in strengthening these ties.
Defence cooperation is identified as a key growth area, with opportunities for technology transfer, joint production, and procurement. Turkiye's expanding defence exports could further enhance bilateral security ties. Beyond trade and defence, Malaysia and Turkiye share common positions on global issues, including respect for sovereignty, justice under international law, sustainable development, climate change, and opposition to the selective application of human rights.
Mohd Faiz also mentioned the growing role of Track Two diplomacy, citing a memorandum of understanding signed between ISIS Malaysia and Turkiye's leading think tank, SETA, to enhance collaboration in strategic research, policy dialogue, and expert exchanges.
Anwar's public lecture titled 'Power Shift: Strategic Choices for Malaysia and Turkiye' reflected the alignment of both countries on key international issues, highlighting the need for fairness, accountability, and the rule of law in global affairs. Overall, the visit represents a strategic reset in Malaysia-Turkiye relations, laying a strong foundation for sustained geopolitical and geo-economic cooperation that will benefit both countries over the long term.