ISTANBUL: Malaysia and Turkiye’s trade target of US$10 billion by 2030 is achievable, especially through the procurement of defence and security equipment.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the balance of trade between both countries is currently in Malaysia’s favour.
“From the effort of both countries, the target is achievable, especially from Malaysia, in procuring defence and security equipment,” he said.
Zahid was speaking at a panel session titled “Turkiye: From Regional Power to Multi-Regional Actor” at the 2026 TRT World Forum here today.
Other panellists included Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) Foreign Policy Studies director Prof Murat Yesiltas; Atlantic Council non-resident senior fellow Dr Rich Outzen; American Arab Center president Farah Al-Atassi; and United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix.
The forum, themed “A World Without a Center: Who Leads When the Rules Run Out?”, brings together political leaders, policymakers, academics, media practitioners and civil society representatives to discuss global issues.
The forum was launched by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
He said Malaysia has taken delivery of Littoral Mission Ships and unmanned aerial vehicles from Turkiye. This, he said, would strengthen ties not only in defence and security, but also in trade.
“I think extra effort will be taken by both countries to achieve the target,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zahid said Malaysia views defence cooperation with Turkiye as a strategic choice and not just a procurement exercise, as it involves the transfer of knowledge and technology.
“Turkiye occupies a strategic position connecting Europe, West Asia, Central Asia and surrounding regions. That is why I think close collaboration between Malaysia and Turkiye is important,” he said.
Zahid said Malaysia also viewed Turkiye’s status as a 12th Asean Dialogue Partner as an opportunity for more structured cooperation that delivers tangible benefits, rather than adding another diplomatic platform.
He said military diplomacy was also important to keep Southeast Asia peaceful and politically stable, and to prevent major powers from influencing Asean member states.
Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, is in Turkiye for a four-day working visit from Nov 5 to 8.
Malaysia and Turkiye established diplomatic relations on June 17, 1964, and have since maintained close ties in politics, the economy, trade and education.
Malaysia is one of Turkiye’s largest trading partners in Southeast Asia.
Bilateral trade stands at US$5.6 billion, and both countries aim to raise it to US$10 billion by 2030 following an agreement between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Erdogan in January.