ASEAN is mulling upgrading Turkiye to a full dialogue partner from its current sectoral status, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He noted Turkiye's constructive contributions in areas like technology, security, defense, and agriculture, as well as providing scholarships.

The potential upgrade was discussed during a trilateral meeting between Malaysia, Turkiye, and the ASEAN Secretariat, held on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-58) in Kuala Lumpur.

Mohamad Hasan also mentioned that while many countries are keen to become ASEAN dialogue partners, a moratorium is in place due to the high volume of applications. ASEAN currently has 11 dialogue partners, and any new additions will be carefully considered to avoid overwhelming the existing structure.

The AMM-58 is being held under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability