KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — As Turkiye celebrates its 101st Republic Day on Tuesday (October 29), the nation expressed its commitment to strengthening ties with Asean under Malaysia’s chairmanship in 2025.
This comes as both nations celebrate six decades of diplomatic relations this year.
Turkiye’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Emir Salim Yuksel, highlighted the long-standing brotherhood between Turkiye and Malaysia, dating back to the 16th century, when the Ottoman empire and Johor Sultanate established ties.
He emphasised Turkiye’s readiness to support Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship, noting that Turkiye views Asean as a crucial platform for deepening regional cooperation. Malaysia is Turkiye’s largest trading partner among Asean nations.
“Turkiye is eager to participate in Asean activities during Malaysia’s chairmanship in 2025,” Yuksel told Bernama in a recent interview, adding that Asia holds a special place in Turkiye’s foreign policy. Since 2017, Turkiye has been an Asean Sectoral Dialogue Partner and hopes to soon achieve full Dialogue Partner status.
On Turkiye-Malaysia ties, Yuksel noted the significant progress in trade, with the 2023 trade volume reaching US$4.6 billion (RM19.78 billion). The two nations recently expanded their Free Trade Agreement to cover services, investments, and e-commerce.
He also pointed to high-level visits between leaders, including Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s two visits to Turkiye last year. Yüksel expressed gratitude for Malaysia’s support after the devastating earthquake in Turkiye in February 2023. During the crisis, Malaysia sent search and rescue teams and set up a field hospital to aid those affected.
Looking ahead, Yuksel suggested that both countries focus on collaboration in technology and innovation. He also expressed a desire for increased student exchanges and highlighted strong tourism ties, with Turkiye hosting over 95,000 Malaysian tourists in 2023.
As Turkiye marks its 101st Republic Day, Yuksel reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional and global stability and support for oppressed communities worldwide.
— Bernama
