PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s three-day official visit to Turkiye has underscored Malaysia’s growing strategic importance to Ankara, highlighted by the establishment of a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council and a series of engagements reflecting both diplomatic depth and personal diplomacy.
During the visit, Anwar met former international footballer Mesut Ozil in Istanbul, describing the encounter as an opportunity to exchange views on current global issues, including humanitarian concerns and matters affecting Muslim communities.
“As a Manchester United supporter, I had the opportunity to receive a visit from former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil in Istanbul.
“He is now actively involved in Turkiye's AK Party,” Anwar said in a statement.
Anwar said the discussion covered shared experiences and perspectives on humanitarian challenges, including the situation in Gaza, and praised Ozil’s continued involvement in international humanitarian initiatives.
“As a light-hearted aside, our conversation also touched on my grandchild, who is a die-hard supporter of The Gunners, which brought a smile to his face,” he said.
The Prime Minister also extended an invitation to Ozil to visit Malaysia to share his experiences in football, leadership and humanitarian work, particularly in inspiring youth to champion justice and global solidarity.
The visit’s diplomatic centrepiece was the formal establishment of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, which Anwar described as a historic milestone in Malaysia-Turkiye relations and a mechanism reserved only for Turkiye’s closest partners.
“This is an exciting beginning because not many countries have bilateral relations at this level.
“At this high-level council, it must be chaired jointly by the (Turkish) President (Recep Tayyip Erdogan) and myself,” he said during a press conference on the final day of the visit.
Anwar said the council elevates bilateral cooperation to the highest level in the diplomatic history of both countries and places Malaysia among a select group of nations trusted by Turkiye for close strategic collaboration.
“Of course, the decisions we make will be implemented by the ministers responsible for executing these important strategic decisions,” he said.
According to Anwar, the council will focus on expanding cooperation in high-value sectors, including investment and trade, higher education, research and emerging technologies.
“The ties between the two countries will concentrate on investment, trade, and strategic cooperation across various sectors, including higher education, research, and emerging disciplines and technologies such as aviation, artificial intelligence (AI), energy, and rare earth elements.”
Reflecting on the overall visit, Anwar said Malaysia received exceptional treatment in terms of protocol, state honours and public reception.
“Not all countries are accorded such treatment, and it clearly reflects Malaysia's standing in Turkiye's eyes,” he said, adding that such recognition is rarely extended to developing nations.
Anwar concluded his official visit, which took place from Jan 6 to 8 at the invitation of President Erdogan, accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
On a separate matter, Anwar revealed that Erdogan had conveyed his personal concern and prayers for former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is currently hospitalised following a fall that resulted in a hip fracture.
“President Tayyip Erdogan also asked about Tun Dr Mahathir's health.
“I provided a brief update based on what the doctors had conveyed, and he offered his well wishes and prayers for his wellbeing and sfety,” Anwar said.
Anwar added that Erdogan expressed his intention to personally reach out to Dr Mahathir should his condition improve.
“He agreed that if Tun Mahathir's condition eases somewhat, he will try to call, ask after him, and pray for him,” he said.
Dr Mahathir was reported to have been admitted to the National Heart Institute after a fall at his residence in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. His press secretary, Sufi Yusoff, said he would require several weeks of treatment and monitoring in hospital.
Dr Mahathir was last admitted to the institute in July last year due to exhaustion, shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday. - January 9, 2025
