Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Embarks on Official Visit to Turkey, Focuses on Strategic Defence Collaboration
ISTANBUL, 23 July (Voice of Malaysia) : Malaysia’s Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has arrived in Turkey for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral defense ties and advancing strategic cooperation in the defense industry.
The minister landed at Istanbul Airport at 9.30pm local time (2.30am Malaysian time) on Tuesday and was received by the Malaysian Consul General in Istanbul, Ahmad Amiri Abu Bakar, along with Turkish Escort Officer, Engineer Captain Serkan Ekin. Accompanying Mohamed Khaled on the visit are Navy Commander Admiral Datuk Abdul Rahman Ayob and other senior defense officials.
During the visit, Mohamed Khaled is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with key defense counterparts, including Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler, Azerbaijani Defense Minister Vugar Mustafayev, and Sudanese Defense Minister Hassan Daoud Kayan. These engagements are expected to focus on enhancing defense diplomacy and exploring collaborative opportunities in training, procurement, and technological exchange.
A major highlight of the visit is Mohamed Khaled’s participation in the International Defence Industry Exhibition (IDEF) 2025, one of the world’s premier defense expos. Organized by Turkey’s Ministry of National Defence, the event is being held at the Istanbul Expo Centre from July 22 to 27 and gathers global defense and security players to showcase the latest military technologies and innovations.
During the exhibition, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed between the Malaysian government, Malaysian defense companies, and their Turkish counterparts—signifying a deepening of industrial and strategic partnerships.
Mohamed Khaled is also scheduled to meet with the Defence Industry Secretariat (SSB), the Turkish government agency responsible for overseeing the nation’s defense procurement and technological development. The meeting is expected to include discussions on collaboration in areas such as shipbuilding, aerospace, and defense manufacturing.
A key agenda item will be a site visit to Istanbul Shipyard, where he will review the progress of Malaysia’s Second Batch Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) project. The ships are currently under construction by Turkey’s defense technology firm, Savunma Teknolojileri Muhendislik (STM).
The LMS project marks a significant milestone in Malaysia-Turkey defense ties. In June 2024, Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence submitted a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to STM for the acquisition of three LMS vessels to enhance the Royal Malaysian Navy’s capabilities in maritime surveillance and coastal defense.
This marks Mohamed Khaled’s second visit to Turkey as defense minister, underlining the importance Malaysia places on strategic defense cooperation with Ankara.
The three-day visit is expected to pave the way for deeper military and technological cooperation while further solidifying Malaysia’s role as a key partner in regional security and defense innovation. — BERNAMA
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