ANKARA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim states that the US$10 billion bilateral trade goal between Malaysia and Turkey is a feasible objective, highlighting mutual strengths and increased collaboration through the newly formed High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
Anwar mentioned that the collaboration was founded on solid trust and belief in “the ability, power, and potential of the Turkish people, industries, science, and technology,” and that partnership would go beyond conventional trade into emerging fields.
“That’s why we will keep improving trade and bilateral investment. The goal of reaching US$10 billion (in bilateral trade) is not at all ambitious,” he stated during a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday.
Prime Minister Anwar, who also holds the position of finance minister, mentioned that Malaysia’s growing capabilities in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, data centres, and rare earths, along with cooperation with Turkey in education and research, would enhance the significance of the partnership.
During Prime Minister Erdogan’s visit to Malaysia in February, Anwar mentioned that both countries were striving to boost trade to US$10 billion in a balanced way.
Anwar mentioned that Malaysia has gained advantages through government-to-government purchasing activities with Turkey’s defense, maritime, and aerospace sectors.
He mentioned that future collaboration might expand into the halal sector and Islamic banking, which present significant opportunities for both nations.
Previously, Anwar received a symbolic guard of honor at a welcoming event held at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, where both leaders jointly chaired a four-party meeting and observed the signing of a joint declaration regarding the formation of the council.
He was subsequently honored with the Order of the Republic, Turkey’s top distinction for foreign officials, bestowed by Erdogan.
Anwar, currently on a three-day official trip to Turkey, is joined by his wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Johari Ghani, along with other senior government officials.