ANKARA, Jan 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was yesterday conferred the Order of the Republic, Turkiye’s highest state honour, in recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral ties between Malaysia and the republic.
The award was presented by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a ceremony held at the Presidential Complex here, in conjunction with Anwar’s three-day official visit to the republic, which began on Tuesday.
Also present at the ceremony were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
Yesterday, Malaysian Ambassador to Turkiye Sazali Mustafa Kamal said the award is the republic’s highest form of recognition bestowed on a foreign leader who has played a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations with Turkiye.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, is on an official visit to Turkiye at the invitation of Erdogan to enhance both nations’ long-standing bilateral relations.
Malaysia’s total trade with Turkiye from January to November 2025 amounted to RM21.2 billion, with the republic continuing to be an important economic partner for Malaysia.
In 2024, Turkiye was Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner, largest export destination, and fourth-largest source of imports among West Asian countries, with total trade valued at RM24.15 billion.
Meanwhile, Anwar said in a statement that he accepted the conferment with deep gratitude and humility, not in a personal capacity, but on behalf of Malaysians.
“This conferment also symbolises the close friendship that has long been forged between the two countries, which was founded on trust, mutual respect, and shared aspirations for global peace and prosperity,” he said.
Anwar also expressed hope that the recognition would catalyse stronger Malaysia-Turkiye cooperation across strategic fields for the benefit of the people of both countries.
