Highlighting joint efforts in naval and drone technology during his two-day visit to Kuala Lumpur, he said defence ties between the two nations have entered a new phase.

Erdogan pointed to the construction of a second batch of littoral mission ships for the Malaysian navy under a partnership between Malaysian and Turkish defence firms.

“We have reached the stage of reaping the fruits of this vision. The building of the second batch of littoral mission ships is now under way,” he said in a speech here, also attended by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Erdogan said Turkish Aviation Industries will offer jobs to 100 young Malaysian engineers.

Expanding trade and economic ties

Erdogan said Turkey was also committed to expanding trade and investment with Malaysia, with bilateral trade surpassing US$5 billion (RM22.35 billion) in 2024, in line with previous targets.

He said both nations were now working towards increasing trade to US$10 billion in a balanced manner.

“From semiconductor technologies, automotive and aircraft technologies to civil simulators, we wish to enhance our joint efforts in each and every sector,” he said.

Erdogan also noted that Turkey’s second-largest airport is operated by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd.

He also used his visit to reaffirm Turkey’s stand on Palestine, calling for Israel to be held accountable for the destruction in Gaza.

“Israel must pay this bill on its own. The Israeli government must compensate for the destruction they have caused. The reconstruction process in Gaza must start with this,” he said.