KUALA LUMPUR: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has highlighted Malaysia as a key strategic partner ahead of his official visit, reaffirming Turkiye's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation on global issues, particularly the Palestinian cause.

"We set out to begin our four-day visit to respond to the invitations of Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan," Erdogan said in a post on his official X account before his departure.

The post, originally written in Turkish, outlined his expectations for the visit and the significance of the three-nation tour.

The visit marks Turkiye's first stop in Malaysia, a country Erdogan described as a "comprehensive strategic partner since 2022" and the current holder of the ASEAN chairmanship for 2025.

"During my visit to all three friendly and brotherly countries, we will sign many agreements aimed at further strengthening our bilateral relations," he said.

Beyond trade and economic collaboration, Erdogan emphasised Malaysia and Turkiye's shared commitment to international issues.

"In addition to our economic and commercial cooperation with Malaysia, we also work closely in the international arena, especially on the Palestinian cause. Hopefully, we will increase this even more in the coming period," he added.

As part of his visit to Kuala Lumpur, he is scheduled to receive an honorary doctorate from Universiti Malaya in recognition of his contributions to global diplomacy.

He will also hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, witness the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), and attend a Malaysia-Turkiye business forum.

Following Malaysia, Erdogan will visit Indonesia to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Turkiye-Indonesia diplomatic relations and reinforce ties with ASEAN.

He will then proceed to Pakistan, the final stop of his tour, which he described as having "a special place in the hearts of Turkiye and the Turkish nation."

"In 2019, we launched the Asia Anew Initiative and put into practice our will to strengthen our cooperation with Asia.

"I hope that this visit, which should be seen as a part of this, will accelerate the relations we have built on the basis of brotherhood with Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan," he said.

-- BERNAMA