PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's official visit to Malaysia as a reaffirmation of the strong and enduring partnership between Malaysia and Türkiye.
Speaking at a public lecture today by President Erdoğan, Anwar emphasised that the relationship between the two countries is based on steadfast solidarity, not merely convenience.
Anwar praised Erdoğan for his remarkable leadership over the past two decades, guiding Türkiye through a period of extraordinary transformation.
“He has done so with remarkable clarity of purpose and conviction, which is both rare and admirable,” Anwar said.
“President Erdoğan has redefined Turkish statecraft, restored national pride, and positioned Türkiye as a key player on the global stage. No, it was an expression of genuine fraternity. I have never forgotten it, and I never will,” he said.
Anwar went on to describe Erdoğan's journey as one of remarkable defiance. “From imprisonment to the highest office in the land, his story is not merely one of survival but of triumph.
“He has not simply withstood adversity; he has turned it into a forge for even greater resilience,” Bernama reported him saying.
Anwar added Turkiye today is stronger, more assured and more determined than at any time in its modern history, and that is in no small part due to his stewardship.
“Today, we welcome not just a head of state but a leader whose influence is felt far beyond his borders. On behalf of the government and the people of Malaysia, I extend my deepest gratitude to President Erdoğan for gracing us with his presence today,” he said.
Erdoğan arrived in Malaysia for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Earlier, Erdoğan was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in International Relations by Universiti Malaya (UM), in recognition of his significant contributions to global diplomacy.
The honorary degree was presented by UM Chancellor Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah during a special convocation ceremony at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), attended by Anwar and other Cabinet members, including Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
In his remarks, Erdoğan expressed deep gratitude for the honour, noting that the award was a reflection of the respect shown to him, his country, and its people. He also indicated that the honorary degree would serve as a catalyst for strengthening Malaysia-Türkiye relations.
Universiti Malaya Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman reiterated the university’s commitment to fostering global excellence and international collaboration.
He highlighted that the award not only acknowledged Erdoğan’s contributions but also underscored UM’s ambition to build strategic platforms with a global impact, guided by universal values and ethics.
Erdoğan’s visit will continue with a formal reception at Perdana Putra tomorrow, followed by a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The two leaders are expected to discuss a range of bilateral, regional, and international issues, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Several memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed, and a joint press conference will follow.
The visit will also feature the Malaysia-Türkiye Business Forum, reflecting the shared commitment to expanding economic ties.
In 2024, Türkiye became Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner, its largest export destination, and its fourth-largest source of imports among West Asian nations.
Total trade between Malaysia and Türkiye reached RM24.13 billion (USD5.28 billion) in 2024, marking an 18.7 percent increase from the previous year. – February 10, 2025
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