Khaled to make official visit to Turkiye in June

KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic) will make an official visit to Turkiye in June to further strengthen strategic defence cooperation between Malaysia and the republic.

In a statement on Monday (May 6), the Defence Ministry announced the visit following Khaled's meeting with Turkiye's Deputy Defence Minister Dr Celal Sami Tüfekçi at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibition here.

During his visit to the Mediterranean country, Khaled is expected to sign several memoranda of understanding with Turkiye, focusing on the development of the defence industry and military cooperation between the two nations.

Present at the meeting between Khaled and Celal was Turkiye's Vice President for Defence Industry, Ihsan Kaya.

Celal also conveyed Turkiye's condolences following the recent helicopter crash tragedy at the Royal Malaysian Navy base in Lumut, Perak, which claimed the lives of 10 personnel members on April 23.

Khaled also held bilateral meetings with Singapore Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen and Brunei Defence Minister II Major General (Rtd) Datu Paduka Seri Awang Halbi Mohd Yussof.

According to the Defence Ministry, Khaled also received a courtesy call from Indonesian Deputy Defence Minister Lt Gen (Rtd) Muhammad Herindra, following his recent visit to Indonesia.

The meeting touched on cooperation among Asean member states, emphasising regional interests. They also discussed maritime and land security cooperation to ensure the continued sovereignty of both countries.- Bernama