Erdogan Highlights Strong Türkiye-Malaysia Ties During Regional Tour

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s close relationship with Malaysia during his visit to the country, marking the first stop of his regional tour.

"May our solidarity and affection remain strong," Erdogan said at a ceremony at the Putrajaya International Convention Center, where he received an honorary doctorate, The Caspian Post reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

Expressing his pleasure at being in Malaysia again after five years, he emphasized the friendship and brotherhood between Türkiye and Malaysia despite their geographical distance. He noted that the bilateral partnership was elevated to a comprehensive strategic level in 2022.

Highlighting the significance of education and academic cooperation, Erdogan stated: "Today, we proudly see more Türkiye and Malaysia graduates contributing to our nations."

He expressed gratitude for the honorary doctorate, considering it "a reflection of Malaysia’s appreciation for Türkiye and its people," and extended his heartfelt thanks to Malaya University and Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak, who he also met during his visit.

Earlier in the day, Erdogan was welcomed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Wan Azizah Ismail, Türkiye's Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur Emir Salim Yuksel, Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, embassy staff, and other officials.

Accompanying the Turkish president were first lady Emine Erdogan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar and National Defense Minister Yasar Guler.

Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir, Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumakli, Trade Minister Omer Bolat, Chairperson of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Binali Yildirim, and Presidential Advisor Akif Cagatay Kilic are also accompanying Erdogan.