PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Turkiye have reaffirmed their strong commitment to deepening bilateral ties, with a particular focus on defence, energy security as well as science and technology.
In a joint statement yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasised the importance of continued collaboration across the critical sectors to strengthen their partnership and address shared challenges.
“Both leaders expressed their appreciation for the close collaboration on defence matters, which is underpinned by a solid legal framework and ongoing military dialogue meetings.
“The establishment of a government-to-government mechanism for the procurement of defence products in June last year was recognised as a significant step in this direction,” the statement said.
It added that the collaboration was further demonstrated through various procurements, underscoring the active cooperation on defence, science, technology and industry to create a strategic defence ecosystem encompassing the exploration of new areas of cooperation, including the transfer of technology, joint development and manufacturing.
It said both sides also believed that their cooperation in defence would not only enhance capabilities but also strengthen the shared defence ecosystem.
Both leaders further agreed to enhance cooperation in combating crimes, mainly transnational and organised crime as well as terrorism in all its forms through the exchange of information and experiences.
Energy security was also highlighted as a priority for both nations, with both leaders recognising its critical importance on the global agenda.
“They discussed opportunities for cooperation in energy transition, particularly in hydrocarbon and renewable energy projects.
“The two sides emphasised the potential for cooperation in the areas of hydrocarbon and renewable energy projects, and also the need for closer dialogue on critical raw minerals which is vital to realising future clean energy projects,” the statement added, Bernama reported.
Anwar and Erdogan also acknowledged the vital role of the private sector in driving energy security and transition projects, encouraging greater involvement in developing practical solutions.
Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) were identified as key areas for collaboration, with a focus on semiconductors, biotechnology, renewable energy, space and other STI-related fields.
“The leaders reached an understanding that the partnership between the two countries in space science, technology and applications has ample potential.
“The Joint Malaysia-Turkiye Remote Sensing Microsatellite Development Programme is a strategically important initiative aimed at advancing the space capabilities of both countries,” the statement read.
Earlier, both leaders witnessed the exchange of 11 MOUs to enhance cooperation in key areas such as energy transition, disaster management, defence, trade and media collaboration.
Furthering scientific collaboration, the Sultan Mizan Antarctic Research Foundation and Turkiye’s Polar Research Institute under the Scientific and Technological Research Council exchanged documents on Antarctic and Arctic research.
Defence cooperation took a significant step forward with the exchange of two agreements, one focusing on government-to-government procurement and setting up of a Joint Committee for Defence Products, and the other on strategic communication systems.
Selangor Aviation and Technology Innovation Sdn Bhd partnered with Turkiye’s Defence Industries Secretariat for smart city, traffic and security system solutions.
On the trade front, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and Turkiye’s Trade Ministry agreed to focus on consumer protection, market surveillance and inspection.
The Home Ministry also signed for the procurement of a multi-purpose mission ship for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency from Turkiye’s Desan Shipyard.
In the media sector, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Turkiye’s Radio and Television Supreme Council will cooperate on audiovisual media services.
The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Anadolu Ajansı also formalised an agreement on information and communications cooperation.
Erdogan, who arrived here on Monday on a two-day official visit accompanied by First Lady Emine Erdogan, was later accorded a red carpet ceremonial send-off at the Bunga Raya Complex of the KL International Airport.
