# Turkey-Southeast Asia defense and strategic relations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-southeast-asia-defense-and-strategic-relations
> Updated: 2026-10-16T16:28:01.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 2.

Turkey is actively expanding its strategic and defense partnerships within Southeast Asia. 

In Malaysia, Turkish National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler emphasized the deepening of bilateral relations, noting that defense industry cooperation has been bolstered by numerous agreements signed since 2019. This follows a history of engagement including a 2014 Strategic Partnership Declaration and a 2022 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Similarly, Turkey and Cambodia have strengthened ties through a newly signed military framework agreement. During a meeting in Istanbul, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed enhancing cooperation in the defense and security sectors, with Erdoğan noting Cambodia’s interest in Turkish defense products. The two nations also reaffirmed a long-standing goal to increase bilateral trade to $1 billion.

## Claims

- Turkey views Cambodia as an important partner in Southeast Asia. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Turkey and Cambodia signed a Military Framework Agreement. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Efforts continue to reach a bilateral trade target of 1 billion dollars. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet praised Turkey's role in international peace and stability efforts. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Cambodia and Turkey signed a military framework agreement. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) supports infrastructure, women's empowerment, and capacity building for Muslim women in Cambodia. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Turkey has provided humanitarian aid to over 3,000 people in cooperation with Cambodian authorities. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Turkey expressed satisfaction with Cambodia joining the Gaza Peace Council as a founding member. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The two nations have maintained friendly and cooperative relations for over sixty years. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Deputy Defense Minister Prak Sovanna signed the military agreement. (single source)
- Hun Manet officially invited President Erdogan to visit Cambodia. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: Turkey and Cambodia sign military agreement to boost defense ties

Cambodian PM Hun Manet and Turkish President Erdoğan signed a military framework agreement in Istanbul, aiming to boost defense cooperation and reach a $1 billion bilateral trade target.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-and-cambodia-sign-military-agreement-during-pm-hun-manet-visit

### 2026-09-25: Turkey aims to deepen strategic and defense ties with Malaysia

Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to deepening strategic, economic, and defense ties with Malaysia during a national day reception.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-aims-to-deepen-strategic-and-defense-ties-with-malaysia

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Cite as: Turkey-Southeast Asia defense and strategic relations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-southeast-asia-defense-and-strategic-relations