Erdogan's Asia tour seen as boost for Turkey’s drone industry, trade
The Turkish president’s visit to Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan focused on bolstering trade ties as Turkey looks to expand its presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan concluded his first foreign tour of 2025 on Thursday, securing dozens of cooperation agreements with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Defense deals were central to the discussions, focusing on military technology, joint production, and strategic partnerships.
Erdogan began his tour on Monday in Malaysia, where he met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He continued to Indonesia on Tuesday and Wednesday for talks with President Prabowo Subianto before concluding his visit in Pakistan on Thursday with a meeting with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
Accompanying the Turkish president was a high-level delegation, including Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Trade Minister Omer Bolat, as Turkey seeks to deepen its presence in South Asia.
The highlight of the tour was an agreement signed between Baykar, the manufacturer of Turkey’s renowned TB2 armed drones, and Jakarta-based defense company Republikorp for the joint production and export of Bayraktar TB3s and Bayraktar Akinci drones.
