ANKARA, TURKEY January 7, 2026 – Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Malaysia-Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) on January 7, strengthening strategic partnerships across multiple sectors.
The meeting, held during Anwar’s three-day official visit to Türkiye (January 6-8), focused on elevating bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, halal industry, Islamic finance, semiconductors, intelligent transportation systems, defence and security, energy and environment, rare earth elements, tourism, and education.
In a post on X, Anwar stated: “President Erdoğan and I co-chaired the First Meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) to set the strategic direction for Malaysia–Republic of Türkiye cooperation, for our mutual benefit.”
The leaders also discussed expanding collaboration within regional and multilateral frameworks, particularly through ASEAN, the D-8 organisation, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). They exchanged views on the current situation in Gaza and broader security and humanitarian developments in the Middle East.
Anwar expressed appreciation for Erdoğan’s congratulations on Malaysia’s successful ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 and its role in facilitating peace efforts between Cambodia and Thailand.
During the visit, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deeper defence industry ties and increasing bilateral trade, with Anwar noting that a US$10 billion trade target is “well within reach.” Reports indicate Anwar received Türkiye’s highest state honour, the Order of the Republic, in recognition of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
The HLSCC builds on previous agreements, including Erdoğan’s visit to Malaysia in 2025, and aligns with Türkiye’s “Asia Anew” initiative and Malaysia’s MADANI framework for diplomacy and economic growth.
The official visit included a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Complex, bilateral talks, and a joint press conference, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
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