Malaysia, Turkiye To Bolster Security Agenda, Target US$10 Bln Trade - Ahmad Zahid

From Siti Nurhana Shafirah Mat Nazir

ISTANBUL, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi raised the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the importance of strengthening Malaysia-Turkiye strategic ties during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan here yesterday.

He said the 30-minute meeting also gave the two leaders an opportunity to exchange views on security and geopolitical developments in Syria and Lebanon, which continue to require serious attention from the international community.

Ahmad Zahid said he conveyed Malaysia’s concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, particularly its impact on regional stability, civilian safety and the humanitarian situation in affected areas.

“Malaysia is clear in its position that efforts to achieve lasting peace must be based on respect for national sovereignty, international law and humanitarian principles.

“We cannot compromise on protecting civilians or ensuring that aid reaches those in need,” he said in a statement today.

He also urged the international community to play a more effective role in easing tensions, ending the suffering of people affected by conflicts and prioritising peaceful solutions through dialogue and diplomacy.

Ahmad Zahid said he appreciated Turkiye’s commitment and role in advancing the security and justice agenda at the international level.

He was confident that Malaysia and Turkiye had ample scope to strengthen diplomatic understanding in addressing regional and international issues affecting global peace and stability.

The two leaders also discussed efforts to expand bilateral economic and trade ties, particularly increasing Malaysia-Turkiye trade from US$5.6 billion in 2025 to US$10 billion by 2030.

“The High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, which held its inaugural meeting in Ankara last January, is an important mechanism for coordinating priorities and accelerating the implementation of strategic cooperation between the two countries,” he said.

He said the mechanism was also in line with the Malaysia-Turkiye Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which provides a stronger foundation for expanding cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.

Potential areas for exploration include investment, the defence industry, technology transfer, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the halal industry and disaster management.

He said the strategic ties between the two countries needed to be translated into concrete initiatives that could create investment opportunities, strengthen industrial capabilities, expand the transfer of expertise and enhance both countries’ economic competitiveness.

On ASEAN-Turkiye relations, Ahmad Zahid reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment, as country coordinator, to continue strengthening ties between the two sides, focusing on expanding trade, technology cooperation and human capital development.

Ahmad Zahid is in Turkiye for a four-day working visit from Nov 5 to 8 in conjunction with his participation in the TRT World Forum 2026.

The two-day forum, which began yesterday, is themed “A World Without a Center: Who Leads When the Rules Run Out?” and brings together political leaders, policymakers, academics, media practitioners and civil society representatives from around the world.

-- BERNAMA