Victory Day Reception Highlights Malaysia-Turkiye Defence, Strategic Partnership

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- Turkiye marked its 103rd Anniversary of Victory Day with a reception here on Friday, underscoring both the historical significance of the occasion and its growing partnership with Malaysia in the fields of defence, economy and culture.

Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia Emir Salim Yuksel said the reception in Kuala Lumpur was aimed at not only marking the occasion but also strengthening ties with Malaysia, a country viewed as a key partner in defence and security.

He said representatives from the Malaysian Armed Forces, Defence Ministry, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) were invited to the event to symbolise the close and growing cooperation between the two nations.

“Defence relations is one of the most important aspects of the relations between the two countries, which we try to develop as much as possible because we believe that the connection between Turkiye and Malaysia is very important in order to develop the defence industries in both countries. So, that's our vision,” he told Bernama at the event, here on Friday.

Also present were Deputy Chief of the Malaysian Navy, Vice Admiral Datuk Shamsuddin Ludin, and Turkish Military Attaché, Colonel Dr Serhan Karabulut.

During the reception, a message from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was conveyed by Yuksel, followed by a short video presentation highlighting the Turkish Armed Forces.

Victory Day, commemorated annually on August 30, marks Turkiye’s triumph in 1922 during the Battle of Dumlupınar under the leadership of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, against occupying forces in Anatolia.

The victory paved the way for the establishment of modern Türkiye in 1923 and is celebrated each year with national ceremonies and diplomatic receptions worldwide.

Beyond defence, Yuksel said Turkiye and Malaysia’s ties have been elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, reflecting cooperation across a wide range of sectors.

“Yes, Turkiye and Malaysia are comprehensive strategic partners. It means that we try to increase our relations in every aspect, including defence.”

“In culture, economy, investments and in many other fields, we would like to have an elevated level of relations between the two countries, which we call comprehensive strategic partnership.” he said.

The ambassador added that Turkiye places strong emphasis on people-to-people exchanges, investments and cultural collaboration with Malaysia, noting that both countries share common values and aspirations as members of the Islamic world and as important players in the ASEAN and Middle East regions.

The Victory Day reception in Kuala Lumpur, attended by diplomats, defence officials and members of the Malaysian security establishment, reflected Türkiye’s effort to use historical commemorations as a platform to strengthen bilateral and international relations.

“By celebrating the Victory Day together with our Malaysian friends, we also demonstrate strong friendship and partnership that exists between our two countries,” the ambassador said.

-- BERNAMA