What’s behind the Kuala Lumpur conference?

Nahla Abdel Moneim

Although the Organization of Islamic Cooperation comprises 57 countries, Malaysia n Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad invited only 4 leaders of Islamic countries: Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar and Indonesia to attend a conference called the “Islamic Summit in Kuala Lumpur 2019”.  The conference will take place on December 18-21.

The conference has triggered media and political controversy and raised a number of questions about the strategic relations that bind these five nations.

Turkey & Malaysia

The relations between the two countries have developed greatly due to Erdogan’s eagerness to boost ties with Malaysia. In January 2014, Erdogan, the then prime minister of Turkey, visited Malaysia.

The two countries have bolstered their relations and economic cooperation since then.

Malaysia’s investments in Turkey totaled $844 million in 2015, according to Turkish Foreign Ministry. Turkish investments in Malaysia are estimated at more than $200 million.

Turkey & Indonesia

The two countries have strong ties as Turkey was one of the first international entities to recognize Indonesia as an independent state.  The diplomatic relations began between the two countries started in 1950.

Erdogan is keen to bolster these relations, especially in the economic field as Indonesia is one of Turkey’s large foreign markets. Between 2004 and 2012, bilateral trade rose from $623 million to $2.1 billion.

Turkey & Pakistan

The relations between Turkey and Pakistan are characterized by harmony and growing common interests. The majority of Pakistan’s people are somehow extremists, and the government penalizes blasphemy. Turkey sees that as an opportunity favoring Erdogan’s Ottoman ambitions.

Moreover, Ankara provides its arms and military equipment to Islamabad. Turkey is assisting Pakistan build a naval fleet near at a cost totaling $2.3 billion. Turkey’s arms exports to Pakistan rose by $400 million.