Kuala Lumpur: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Malaysia and Trkiye on disaster and emergency management underscores Malaysia’s strong reputation in the field, as recognised by the republic. National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) director-general Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said the MoU stemmed from discussions following the deployment of Malaysia’s MyTeam Relief to assist the Turkish government during the earthquake in Gaziantep on Feb 6, 2023.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, building on that humanitarian and disaster relief mission, NADMA engaged in discussions with Trkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), under the Ministry of Interior, to explore potential areas of cooperation in disaster management. Khairul Shahril stated that the MoU was finalised as part of discussions on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between Malaysia and Trkiye, following President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s official visit to Malaysia from Feb 10-11.

Among the key areas of cooperation under the MoU are training programmes on disaster and emergency management, as well as mutual assistance in the event of disasters and emergencies. Additionally, the agreement includes knowledge-sharing initiatives, experience exchanges, and other forms of disaster management cooperation mutually agreed upon by both nations.

Khairul Shahril expressed hope that this MoU would foster strong collaboration, commitment, and solidarity between Malaysia and Trkiye in advancing disaster management efforts. The agreement is one of 11 MoUs exchanged between Malaysia and Trkiye to enhance cooperation across various sectors during Erdogan’s visit.

The exchange of documents was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Erdogan, covering key areas such as energy transition, disaster management, defence, trade, and media collaboration.