Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and Turkey have great potential to strengthen strategic cooperation through technology transfer, joint development, and involvement of local industries to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin expressed his confidence after receiving a visit from a leading Turkish defence technology company led by ASELSAN CEO and President Ahmet Akyol and Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia Emir Salim Yksel.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Khaled emphasized the importance of Malaysia moving beyond the traditional procurement model. He advocated for an improved procurement strategy that focuses on long-term cooperation, building national supply chains, strengthening local industry collaboration, and opening up wider market opportunities. He conveyed these thoughts in a Facebook post, highlighting the strategic importance of enhancing defence capabilities through collaborative efforts.

Earlier, Mohamed Khaled and Turkey’s Minister of National Defence, Yasar Guler, held a four-point meeting during the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 in Istanbul, in July. The meeting concentrated on discussions about appropriate cooperation in the military and defence fields that both countries require, aiming to address mutual needs and bolster each nation’s defence strategies.