The key facts

  • Malaysian minister Nga Kor Ming described ties between Türkiye and Malaysia as a 'brotherhood' in an interview with Anadolu at COP31 in Antalya.
  • He named tourism, technical and vocational education, and the defense industry as priorities for cooperation.
  • On climate, the minister called for moving from declarations to the practical implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Statement on the sidelines of the climate conference

Malaysia's Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming, who also serves as President of the UN-Habitat Assembly, said on Tuesday in an interview with the Anadolu Agency on the sidelines of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya that relations between Türkiye and Malaysia amount to a 'brotherhood' rather than mere friendship, reflecting a strong and long-lasting partnership. He linked Malaysia's participation in COP31 precisely to the long-standing ties between the two countries.

Tourism, education and defense as priorities

The minister listed specific areas where, in his view, cooperation could expand. In tourism, he noted the rapid growth of Malaysia's industry and Türkiye's experience, which could be useful, and expressed hope for an increase in the number of Turkish tourists. In education, he named technical and vocational training as a priority: Turkish experience, he said, could help Malaysia prepare young people for labor market demands. At the same time, Malaysia seeks to become a regional hub for higher education, and Nga invited more Turkish students there. As the third area, he named the defense industry, citing Türkiye's military capabilities.

Climate: from commitments to action

Turning to COP31 itself, the minister stressed the importance of dialogue, consensus and concrete steps: according to him, countries can no longer delay the implementation of the Paris Agreement, and progress will depend on practical measures rather than declarations. He called the world a shared legacy of future generations, and the fulfillment of international commitments a responsibility of all states. The statement was made in the context of the forum itself, but the publication does not report any specific bilateral agreements or signed documents — for now, these remain only statements of intent from the Malaysian side.