ANKARA, TURKEY January 7, 2026 – Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan co-chaired the inaugural High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) meeting on January 7, witnessing the signing of seven bilateral documents to elevate ties across defense, technology, finance, investment, education, and research.
The agreements, signed in Ankara during Anwar’s official visit (January 6-8), mark a milestone in bilateral relations. In a post on X, Anwar described the documents as catalysts for structured, progressive cooperation benefiting both nations.
The seven documents include:
– Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for procuring a second Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) from Türkiye’s Desan Shipyard, boosting Malaysia’s maritime capabilities.
– Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Türkiye’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority.
– MoU on research cooperation in politics, economy, and social fields between Malaysia’s Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) and Türkiye’s SETA Foundation.
– MoU on financial cooperation between EXIM Bank Malaysia and Türk Eximbank.
– MoU on investment cooperation between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Invest Türkiye.
– Exchange of minutes from the First Malaysia-Türkiye Higher Education Joint Committee Meeting.
– Joint Declaration establishing the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC).
In a joint press conference, both leaders committed to transparent and effective implementation. Anwar highlighted potential in halal industry and Islamic finance, while Erdoğan emphasized deepening defense industry ties.
Anwar also received Türkiye’s highest state honour, the Order of the Republic, recognising his contributions to bilateral relations.
Bilateral trade reached RM21.2 billion (approximately US$4.92 billion) from January to November 2025. Anwar stated the US$10 billion trade target is achievable, citing growing economic complementarity.
The HLSCC, agreed during Erdoğan’s 2025 visit to Malaysia, provides an institutional framework for sustained high-level engagement.
About The Author
