UPDATES WITH REMARKS BY MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER, CHANGES BYLINE
By Merve Yildizalp, Merve Berker, and Sumeyye Dilara Dincer
KUALA LUMPUR / ANKARA (AA) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized his country's warm ties with Malaysia during a visit to the Southeast Asian nation on Monday as the first leg of a 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.
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.
- Türkiye strong, 'more than ever before': Malaysian premier
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also spoke at the ceremony in the city of Putrajaya, emphasizing Türkiye’s transformation into a geopolitical power.
"Türkiye, more than ever before, is strong. The reason is what you have done, your efforts. You are a leader whose influence transcends borders," he said, praising Erdogan's leadership.
Anwar also praised Türkiye’s technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence and space technology.
"Türkiye has significantly enhanced its national consciousness and honor. It has become a geopolitical force," he added.
Referring to Erdogan’s personal political journey, Anwar said: "His story is one of great resilience — from imprisonment to the head of state."
"It is not just a survival story but one of pride, determination, and perseverance," he said.
During his visit, Erdogan will also address public officials and university students as part of the "Türkiye-Malaysia Strategic Cooperation in the New Century" meeting.
He is expected to hold high-level talks with Prime Minister Anwar to boost bilateral ties across all sectors, as well as discuss situation in Palestinian besieged enclave of Gaza. He will also visit Indonesia and Pakistan as part of his regional tour.