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This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Enver Ibrahim’s visit to Türkiye is a three-day diplomatic engagement taking place from 6–8 January 2026 at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The visit is reciprocal to President Erdoğan’s official visit to Malaysia in February 2025 and is designed to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim is accompanied during the visit by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Minister of Higher Education Zambry bin Abd Kadir, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Johari bin Abdul Ghani, and various senior government officials. Also participating in the visit is Enver Ibrahim’s wife, Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Ibrahim arrived in Türkiye on 6 January 2026. Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and his wife Demet Güler welcomed him and his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail at Ankara Esenboğa Airport.
On the second day of his official visit to Türkiye, 7 January 2026, Malaysian Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim visited Anıtkabir. The visit was conducted as part of the official program in Ankara.
According to the Ministry of National Defense, during the Anıtkabir program, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and his wife Demet Güler accompanied Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim and his wife Wan Azizah Ismail Hanımefendi. The program and footage from the Anıtkabir visit were shared with the public through the Ministry of National Defense’s official social media accounts.
During his visit to Türkiye, Malaysian Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim participated on 7 January 2026 in the conference titled “Power Shift: Strategic Choices for Malaysia and Türkiye”, jointly organized by the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) and the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia (ISIS Malaysia) in Ankara.
The event was held at a hotel in Ankara and attended by Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, TRT General Manager Mehmet Zahid Sobacı, Former Minister of Interior Beşir Atalay, SETA General Coordinator Nebi Miş, and numerous invited guests. During the conference, a cooperation agreement between SETA and ISIS Malaysia was planned to be signed.
In his speech, Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim described the cooperation between the two think tanks as a “satisfactory development” and expressed his delight that the long-standing relationship between the two countries had gained formal recognition. Recalling his good relations with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, he emphasized that “cooperation between our two countries must be expanded in all areas.”
In his speech, Prime Minister Enver pointed to the existence of periodical uncertainties and highlighted the “contradictions and duplicity” between declared actions and on-the-ground practices in places such as Gaza and Venezuela.
Enver emphasized the importance of developing countries and economies recognizing that their future is not bound to the dictates of major powers like the United States or China. He noted Southeast Asia’s potential to effectively cooperate in trade, investment, and related fields and to open new markets, adding: “We also wish to join new initiatives such as BRICS and other Third World network arrangements that can expand our horizons.”
Expressing sorrow and regret at the inconsistency of major powers in upholding rules-based international order and trade agreements, Enver argued that merely observing the situation or hoping for change without action is insufficient. “Therefore, our priority is to demonstrate through our governance system—by ensuring clarity in governance, domestic policies, stability, and economic policies, and by combating corruption and delivering justice for all—a model that our society, region, and the world can follow.” Prime Minister Enver continued: “What the world needs right now is the voice of conscience, a consistent moral voice for order. This may not be such a profound thing. Yet throughout your history, whether old or new, East or West, you have resisted all forms of pressure. Similarly, we gained our independence because we believe in certain principles of human dignity. God elevated the children of Adam because of human dignity, moral conscience, justice, and humanity that transcend all communities, races, and religious sects. In my view, this must be the consistent, harmonious moral voice we must relentlessly pursue.”
Enver noted that Malaysia and Türkiye share common positions on many issues, and although geographically distant, Malaysians closely follow developments in Türkiye. Emphasizing Türkiye’s courage in speaking the truth in an era dominated by hypocrisy, cowardice, and moral indifference, he stated: “You unequivocally condemned the oppression and genocide inflicted by the Israeli regime on the people of Gaza, yet you also possess the capacity and diplomatic skill to sustain dialogue. Ultimately, the world needs not only a moral voice or conscience but also wisdom to navigate this uncertain and complex world.”
Enver explained that Malaysia has also made efforts to resolve the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand and that the majority of the dispute has been settled. Enver noted that while new technologies and artificial intelligence have advanced significantly and brought remarkable progress in countries, they have also raised serious questions about major deficiencies in moral and ethical values. He acknowledged the challenges posed by this modern framework but stressed the need to adapt to new technologies.
Enver stated that “Malaysia possesses one of the semiconductor data centers in the region, but we are also a country grounded in history and cultural identity, like Türkiye.” He acknowledged that a nation cannot achieve success through culture and identity alone and emphasized that they are not immune to all problems, adding: “As I have said before, we are located right in the center of rising tensions between the United States and China, in southern Asia. Our seas are surrounded by the region known as the South China Sea. But let me reiterate: we are realistic enough to act wisely. While the United States remains our number one country in terms of investment and trade, China has also become a very important neighbor. Economically and militarily, we must maintain and preserve our excellent relations with our developing neighbor.”
Enver further noted that they do not ignore events and realities in the region: “Therefore, I refer to the situation in Palestine and what is happening in Gaza. When U.S. President (Donald) Trump was in Malaysia, I congratulated him on this extraordinary achievement. Initially, it was attempted and partially resolved, but I also emphasized to him that grave injustice against people continued despite the agreement. This is an example of the failure of the international system and order, where political leaders exhibit excessive contradictions and duplicity, where democracy and human rights have become ineffective for many, and are increasingly questioned within our societies. We now evaluate not by grand statements, religious gratitude, or rhetoric, but by determination, commitment, and the capacity to accept change and implement reforms consistently and coherently.”
Prime Minister Enver added: “The measures taken by countries like ours will not solve every problem. What I am trying to argue is that there is certainly no formula or solution for all problems or issues, but these measures will certainly define our maneuvering space. As the power and certainty of law become uncertain, the causes of wrongful conduct are increasing. This is not a time to withdraw. This is a task before us that we all, including the peoples of Malaysia and Türkiye, must undertake together.”
Opening the conference, SETA General Coordinator Nebi Miş thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim and noted that diplomatic relations between the two countries have deepened and developed since 1964. “In recent years, relations between Ankara and Kuala Lumpur have regained momentum. In a period of growing global uncertainty and fragility, this partnership offers a hopeful and exemplary model to the international community.”
Miş noted that during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Malaysia in February 2025, attention was drawn to the future vision of bilateral relations and the struggle for global power-sharing. He emphasized that the erosion of international law has left all humanity under threat. Miş expressed gratitude to Malaysian Prime Minister Enver and his people for not remaining silent regarding Israel’s destabilizing attacks in the Middle East and for their stance against Israel’s genocide and oppression in Gaza.
In his assessment that in a global environment marked by security risks, only those with a strong stance can shape the future and new partnerships are inevitable, Miş pointed out that Türkiye is aware of Asia’s strengthened position in the international system and has strengthened its relations with regional countries under the “New Asia Initiative.”
Miş stated that the growing political and economic partnership between Malaysia and Türkiye will play a more effective role in the global system and noted that “the future vision of Malaysia under Enver’s leadership will contribute to the Muslim world and the world at large.”
On 7 January 2026, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed Malaysian Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim at an official ceremony held at the Presidential Complex. As part of the ceremony, a cavalry unit greeted Prime Minister Ibrahim’s official vehicle on the avenue in front of the Presidential Complex and escorted it to the ceremonial entrance. President Erdoğan received the guest at the main entrance of the complex. After both leaders took their positions on the ceremonial ground, the national anthems of Türkiye and Malaysia were played.
On the ceremonial ground, flags representing the 16 Turkish states in history and military units were present. A 21-gun salute was fired during the welcome, and Malaysian Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim greeted the Honor Guard Battalion with “Hello soldier.” Following the ceremony, President Erdoğan and Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim introduced their respective delegations to each other and posed for the press in front of the flags of Türkiye and Malaysia.
Attending the official welcome ceremony were Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Head of the National Intelligence Organization İbrahim Kalın, Chairman of the Council of Higher Education Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, Head of the Presidency of Communications Burhanettin Duran, Head of the Presidency of Defense Industries Haluk Görgün, and Governor of Ankara Vasip Şahin.
Following the ceremony, President Erdoğan received Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim at the Presidential Complex, and the meeting was held behind closed doors. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan also participated in the meeting.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Enver Ibrahim attended the First Meeting of the Türkiye–Malaysia High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council and the Signing Ceremony of Agreements on 7 January 2026 at the Presidential Complex, followed by a joint press conference.
Erdoğan stated that they had convened the council’s first meeting. “I believe that with this mechanism, we will further solidify the Türkiye-Malaysia friendship, which draws its strength from ancient history.” He noted that they had signed documents that would strengthen the foundation of their relations and stated that “Malaysia is Türkiye’s largest trading partner in the ASEAN region.”
Erdoğan recalled the existing free trade agreement between Türkiye and Malaysia and said: “During my visit to Kuala Lumpur, we announced a target of $10 billion in trade volume. I sincerely believe that through joint efforts, we can balance and sustainably reach this target.” Erdoğan added: “We also wish to reinvigorate investment relations between our countries and encourage increased Malaysian investments in Türkiye. I hope that today’s and tomorrow’s meetings between Prime Minister Ibrahim and Turkish business circles will bring blessings to both nations.”
Erdoğan noted that they had also discussed defense industry matters in their talks and said: “We have implemented many projects with Malaysia in these areas, and many are ongoing.” He added: “In the coming period, we will continue to assess joint steps we can take in this field based on the win-win principle. We also discussed the human dimension, which forms the foundation of Türkiye-Malaysia friendship and brotherhood. We have decided to continue our efforts in education, culture, and tourism to strengthen dialogue between our peoples.”
Erdoğan pointed out that regional and international developments were high on their agenda and expressed satisfaction at their shared views on international issues. He stated that they would continue to closely follow developments in Gaza.
Erdoğan said: “Under our ‘New Asia’ initiative, announced in 2019, we attach special importance to cooperation with regional countries and ASEAN. Malaysia held the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 and successfully completed this demanding period. I congratulate you on this achievement. Moreover, my brother Enver made a significant contribution to reducing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.” He thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Enver and his delegation for their visit to Türkiye and wished the council meeting well.
After Prime Minister Enver’s speech, Erdoğan resumed speaking and announced that he would host a reception for the guests. “Tomorrow, the program will continue in Istanbul.” Erdoğan said: “We signed seven documents. With our discussions, we have, God willing, taken the first step toward this strategic document. Thus, we have taken the first step in the Türkiye-Malaysia High-Level Strategic Cooperation. May it be blessed and auspicious.”
Malaysian Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim, addressing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, said: “I thank you for your leadership, not only for the Republic of Türkiye but also for the world at large and especially the Islamic world, as a courageous leader.” “My brother, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, you are more than just a president to me—you are a friend.” Enver conveyed the gratitude of the Malaysian people.
Highlighting the importance of bilateral relations, Enver emphasized that they had achieved “a very significant cooperation.” He noted that they are living in a world environment filled with uncertainties and requiring new policies, attitudes, and behaviors, and stressed that “in such a period, expanding trade through investment is extremely important.” Enver added: “On this occasion, I would like to thank you once again for your idea of elevating our cooperation to the level of high-level strategic partnership.”
Enver thanked President Erdoğan for the idea of elevating bilateral cooperation to the level of high-level strategic partnership, stating that this is “an extremely rare practice in Malaysia.” “Very few countries possess the mutual trust and goodwill that we have. We believe in your capabilities, capacities, and strength. We believe in the capacity of the Turkish people and Turkish industry in science and technology. This is a country that has proven and demonstrated its talents to the entire world. On this occasion, we will continue to expand and increase our relations, trade, and investment. Ten billion dollars is never an overly ambitious target. You have a very large economy.”
Emphasizing Malaysia’s economy, Enver said: “We have a relatively smaller but very rapidly growing economy. As you know, we have now become a major center in semiconductors. We are continuing our work in new technologies. This cooperation will be extremely meaningful.”
Enver noted that cooperation between the two countries will be supported not only in new areas but also in education and research, and therefore mechanisms must be established. Enver continued: “These negotiations took place very clearly between our foreign ministers and other ministers. You clearly delivered your message here. You emphasized the need for us to act quickly. This leadership was important for us in this highly competitive and uncertain environment. In this context, I stand by your side. I want to present Malaysia and Türkiye as two countries that serve as an example of a strong, meaningful bilateral relationship. Here, we have gained significant benefits from Türkiye’s government-to-government procurement and the sale of your defense industry products. This is a major advantage for us.”
Enver said: “You have introduced a new approach in Malaysia, applying principles of good governance and transparency. We see this sector and Islamic finance as a significant potential for our countries. Both countries can develop these resources.” He added: “In international relations, your leadership in this regard is unquestionable. You are exhibiting a leadership known to the entire world. We do not merely admire and envy your stance on this issue—we actively support your efforts.”
Enver referred to President Erdoğan’s stance against Israel’s attacks on Gaza and said: “We will continue to support you in this initiative. This means you are the voice of the oppressed.” Enver stated that Palestinians “trust friends like President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.” Similarly, regarding other global issues, Enver noted that “morality, conscience, and strong leadership are needed,” adding: “The political world is lacking in moral values. Please continue your efforts in this regard.” Enver concluded: “We will continue to support you, not only as a government but also on behalf of the people, with affection and love. I thank you for continuing your work in this regard.”
Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, commenting on President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s speech at the joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim, said: “The emphasis by our President on the Gaza issue, defense industry cooperation, and economic targets demonstrates that Türkiye-Malaysia relations play a decisive role not only at the bilateral level but also in regional peace and stability.”
Duran, noting that President Erdoğan’s speech highlighted the strategic dimension of Türkiye-Malaysia relations, made the following assessment: “The emphasis by our President on the Gaza issue, defense industry cooperation, and economic targets demonstrates that Türkiye-Malaysia relations play a decisive role not only at the bilateral level but also in regional peace and stability. In this context, the Türkiye-Malaysia partnership is an excellent example of a just, balanced, and sustainable cooperation model in the Asia-Pacific region. The deep historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and Malaysia show that both countries converge around principles of justice, solidarity, and multilateral cooperation. The High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council established between the two countries is not merely a diplomatic mechanism but also the institutional framework for a deepening partnership in economic, defense, technology, and human domains.”
At the Presidential Complex on 7 January 2026, following the First Meeting of the Türkiye–Malaysia High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, various cooperation agreements were signed between the two countries in multiple fields.
First, the “Minutes of the First Joint Committee Meeting on Higher Education Cooperation between the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia” was signed. The agreement was signed by YÖK Chairman Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and Malaysian Minister of Higher Education Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir.
Second, the “Memorandum of Understanding between the Investment and Finance Office of the Republic of Türkiye and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)” was signed. The memorandum was signed by the Chairman of the Investment and Finance Office of Türkiye, Ahmet Burak Dağlıoğlu, and the Executive Chairman of MIDA, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid.
Third, the “Memorandum of Understanding between the Export Credit Bank of Türkiye (Turk Eximbank) and the Export-Import Bank of Malaysia (EXIM Bank Malaysia)” was signed. The agreement was signed by Deputy Minister of Treasury and Finance and Chairman of the Turk Eximbank Board of Directors Osman Çelik and Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Datuk Nurbayu Kasim Chang.
Fourth, the “Memorandum of Understanding on Economic and Social Research Cooperation between the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) and the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia (ISIS Malaysia)” was signed. The agreement was signed by SETA General Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nebi Miş and ISIS Malaysia Chairman Prof. Dr. Mohd Faiz Abdullah.
Fifth, the “Letter of Acceptance for the Procurement of One Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) between DESAN Shipyards and the Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia” was signed as part of defense industry cooperation. The document was signed by Chairman of the Board of Directors of DESAN Shipyards Cenk İsmail Kaptanoğlu and General Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Amran Mohamed Zin.
Finally, the “Memorandum of Understanding on Information and Communication Technology Cooperation between the Information and Communication Technologies Authority of the Republic of Türkiye (BTK) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)” was signed. The agreement was signed by BTK Chairman Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu and MCMC Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Bin Fateh Din.
At the Beştepe National Exhibition Hall of the Presidential Complex on 7 January 2026, an Investiture Ceremony of the Republic Medal was held for Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Enver Ibrahim. The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems of Türkiye and Malaysia, after which President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan conferred upon Enver Ibrahim the Republic Medal, the highest honor awarded by the Republic of Türkiye to foreign heads of state.
In his speech at the ceremony, President Erdoğan expressed his delight at hosting Malaysian Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim and his delegation in Türkiye. Erdoğan said: “Building on this deep-rooted foundation, we are strengthening solidarity between our countries day by day. We are crowning our cooperation with concrete steps and projects.”
Erdoğan noted that today’s meetings with Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim and his delegation marked another milestone: “Last year, during my visit to Kuala Lumpur, we agreed to establish the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, and today we held its first meeting. Insha’Allah, in the coming period, we will continue to deepen and diversify our comprehensive strategic partnership through this institutional framework.”
President Erdoğan continued: “Special mention must be made of the efforts of Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim. I also wish to highlight here the constructive role played by my dear brother in resolving tensions between Cambodia and Thailand. We also observe that his interest in Turkish culture and history has made significant contributions to the development of exemplary cooperation between our countries. For your contributions to the development of friendship relations between Türkiye and Malaysia, I am greatly honored to bestow upon you the Republic Medal. I am confident that you will proudly carry our Republic Medal as a powerful symbol of the eternal and unshakeable brotherhood between our nations. On this occasion, I once again renew my best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of our dear and brotherly Malaysian people on behalf of myself and my nation.”
In his speech at the ceremony, Malaysian Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim described this honor as “an extremely significant distinction for the entire Malaysian people.” “Throughout history, this has been a great honor for the entire Malaysian people. During this period, we have developed our friendship, brotherhood, and goodwill. During the era of the Sultanate of the Ottoman Empire, we cultivated this relationship in the Malaysian world.” Enver Ibrahim said: “Today, we remember their legacy, and it is under the guidance and leadership of President Erdoğan that this relationship has been solidified.”
Enver said: “This is not merely an issue of trust. It is because you are the voice of conscience and humanity that I wish to express my gratitude on behalf of the Malaysian people. We are continuing to develop our bilateral relations, trade, and investment under your leadership.” Enver, who said: “On behalf of all peace-loving Malaysians, I accept the Republic Medal with great honor,” affirmed once again the trust and friendly relations between the two countries. Following the ceremony, the two leaders proceeded to a banquet held in honor of Malaysian Prime Minister Enver.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim paid an official visit to Türkiye at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan from 6 to 8 January 2026. He was welcomed with a ceremony in Ankara and visited Anıtkabir. He was honored by President Erdoğan with the Republic Medal, and the two leaders presided over a meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. Various agreements were signed during the visit in the fields of defense, investment, education, and technology.
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January 7, 2026
Delegation and Participants
January 7, 2026
Visit to Anıtkabir
January 7, 2026
“Power Shift: Strategic Choices for Malaysia and Türkiye” Conference
January 7, 2026
Official Welcome Ceremony by President Erdoğan
January 7, 2026
High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council Meeting and Joint Press Conference
January 7, 2026
Signing of Agreements Between Türkiye and Malaysia
January 7, 2026
Investiture Ceremony of the Republic Medal