President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a compelling address that underscored the deep-rooted historical ties and dynamic economic cooperation between Türkiye and Malaysia during the Türkiye-Malaysia Business Forum held in Kuala Lumpur.Stressing a longstanding friendship spanning five centuries, President Erdoğan noted, “In 2024, we marked the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations with Malaysia. This milestone, grounded in centuries of mutual respect and cooperation, forms the bedrock of our strategic partnership."Highlighting Türkiye's unique position as the nexus of the world, President Erdoğan added, “As a country connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, we prioritize financial and trade partnerships that extend beyond our region and resonate globally. Despite regional conflicts and the severe earthquake in 2023, Türkiye's economy has sustained an average growth rate of about 5 percent over the last 20 years."
The President detailed Türkiye's economic achievements over the past two decades: “Thanks to our transparent, predictable, and investor-friendly policies, we have attracted nearly USD 270 billion in FDI. Moreover, the number of international companies in Türkiye has surged from 6,000 to over 80,000, and with strong support and the economic program implemented over the past 1.5 years, we have begun to reap the fruits of our efforts."
President Erdoğan reaffirmed his vision, stating, “Our relentless efforts will continue until we transform Türkiye into a global powerhouse and usher in the Türkiye Century."
Focusing on Malaysia's strategic importance, President Erdoğan remarked, “Our free trade agreement with Malaysia, which took effect in 2015 and has since expanded to include services, investments, and e-commerce, now makes Malaysia our leading trade partner among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members."
Concluding his remarks, President Erdoğan emphasized the remarkable progress in bilateral trade: “Trade between Türkiye and Malaysia has surged from USD 1.7 billion in 2015 to over USD 5 billion in 2024. We have set an ambitious new target of USD 10 billion. Furthermore, Malaysian investments underscore the vast potential for further collaboration."