NEW YORK – Two newly elected leaders helming two stable nations respectively mark the golden age of Malaysia-Türkiye relations.
Turkish ambassador to Malaysia Emir Salim Yüksel is bullish on the future relationship between the two nations, following a meeting here between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
“The vast potentials of both countries encourage us to explore new opportunities in every sector.
“I hope that this period will be a golden opportunity to enhance our relations with two newly elected, stable and strong leaders and governments at the helm of both countries,” Emir Salim told Scoop.
The two leaders who are also personal friends met on the margins of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
“This is a clear testimony of smooth and close cooperation between two countries. The two leaders use every opportunity to come together in order to discuss bilateral and global issues,” Emir Salim added.
He said Anwar and Erdogan’s joint statement against Islamophobia indicates a concerted effort to address growing concerns of discrimination among the global Muslim community.
“The outcome of the meeting as a ‘Joint Statement Regarding Increasing Hatred, Intolerance, Discrimination and Acts of Violence Against Muslims and their sanctities’ shows clearly the diligent coordination and harmony of both leaders,” Emir Salim added.
He said Türkiye and Malaysia will continue to further deepen their relations and cooperation on many sectors such as technology, defence, trade, investments, culture and education.
On Wednesday, Anwar revealed that the Turkish government wants to extend the contract of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), which developed and manages Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
“Türkiye is happy with the performance of MAHB which is why it is extending its contract with the firm to manage Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen Airport,” Anwar had told the Malaysian media.
“It is satisfied with the achievement of MAHB and extended the contract as they feel MAHB has the capacity to continue managing the airport,” Anwar said, adding that with the extension of its runway, Türkiye needs a partner it is confident can manage the expanding airport. – September 22, 2023
Rocky Bru is Datuk Ahirudin Attan, Group Executive Director of Big Boom Media, which publishes Scoop. He is also president of the National Press Club of Malaysia