Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and Turkiye have reached an agreement to strengthen their collaboration in tourism and culture, aiming to create favorable conditions to encourage more Turkish and Malaysian tourists to visit each other’s countries.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the significance of cooperation in these sectors through a joint statement. The statement also highlighted Malaysia’s invitation to Turkish travelers to participate in the ‘Visit Malaysia 2026’ initiative.
The two leaders also agreed to boost cooperation on civil aviation matters, which is expected to positively impact tourism, foster people-to-people contacts, and enhance trade relations. Furthermore, they underscored the importance of fostering connections through exchange programs between higher education institutions and research institutes to promote mutual understanding and academic collaboration.
In the field of education, both countries expressed support for establishing a Joint Committee on higher education and initiatives aimed at cooperation in secondary education. In terms of health and medical sciences, both leaders reiterated their commitment to exploring collaborative opportunities.
Malaysia and Turkiye also showed willingness to explore cooperation in Zero Waste practices through knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices in waste management, recycling, and the circular economy. Both sides aim to build technical capacity and implement effective Zero Waste policies.
Recognizing the importance of disaster management, the leaders welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Disaster and Emergency Management. They agreed to enhance cooperation by implementing activities under the MoU, including technical training and expertise exchange in search and rescue operations and humanitarian relief efforts.
Agricultural cooperation was another focal point, with discussions on strengthening ties through technical meetings, visits, and training programs. President Erdogan, during a joint press conference with Anwar, announced an agreement on implementing a joint committee between the education ministries of both countries.
Erdogan also expressed Turkiye’s readiness to share experiences and products with Malaysia, benefiting both nations. He acknowledged the discussions held on various areas including industry, technology, energy, tourism, culture, and education, and reaffirmed the mutual interest in expanding tourism ties.
Erdogan’s official visit to Malaysia, accompanied by First Lady Emine Erdogan, underscores the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral relations across multiple sectors.