ISTANBUL, Nov 7 — Malaysia views its defence cooperation with Turkiye as a strategic avenue to strengthen its technological capabilities, deepen bilateral relations and contribute to regional stability in South-east Asia.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the partnership extends beyond the procurement of defence equipment to include knowledge and technology transfer, while opening up opportunities for broader cooperation in economic, technological, educational and diplomatic fields.
He said military diplomacy was equally important in ensuring South-east Asia remained peaceful and politically stable, particularly amid growing competition and influence from major powers.
“Military diplomacy is also important because we would like to see South-east Asia remain a peaceful region. We have to maintain political stability in Asean as a whole, as we must try to prevent superpowers from exerting influence over Asean member countries,” he said during a session titled “Turkiye From Regional Power to Multi-Regional Actor” at the TRT World Forum 2026 here yesterday.
