TURKIYE AIMS TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH ASEAN UNDER MALAYSIA'S CHAIRMANSHIP NEXT YEAR - ENVOY

By Rohani Mohd Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- As Türkiye 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.

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Emir Salim Yuksel, highlighted the long-standing brotherhood between Türkiye and Malaysia, dating back to the 16th century when the Ottoman empire and Johor Sultanate established ties.

He emphasised Türkiye’s readiness to support Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, noting that Türkiye views ASEAN as a crucial platform for deepening regional cooperation. Malaysia is Türkiye’s largest trading partner among ASEAN nations.

"Türkiye 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 Türkiye’s foreign policy. Since 2017, Türkiye has been an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and hopes to soon achieve full Dialogue Partner status.

On Türkiye-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 Türkiye last year. Yüksel expressed gratitude for Malaysia’s support after the devastating earthquake in Türkiye 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 Türkiye hosting over 95,000 Malaysian tourists in 2023.

As Türkiye marks its 101st Republic Day, Yuksel reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional and global stability, as well as supporting oppressed communities worldwide.

-- BERNAMA