Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has described the relations between Malaysia and Turkey as 'extraordinary'.
Speaking to Malaysian journalists here at the end of his four-day working visit to Turkey, the Deputy Prime Minister said relations between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were on a special track as each time Malaysia spoke out on certain issues, it received the appropriate recognition from Turkey.
"The special relationship between Malaysia and Turkey which is extraordinary did not only come about due to the positive response from President Erdogan on several proposals by Malaysia on resolving universal and regional issues but also the close personal relationship he (Erdogan) has with our prime minister which was made known to me during my closed-door meeting with President Erdogan.
"Hopefully, the good relations will be further enhanced down the road," he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister came to Turkey to represent Najib in leading the Malaysian delegation to the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8) Summit which was held here.
While here, Ahmad Zahid had the opportunity to have the closed-door meeting with President Erdogan to discuss issues of mutual interest to both countries.
"Among the matters, we agreed to the setting up of branch campus of Turkey's Ibn Haldun University in Malaysia," said Ahmad Zahid, who also had the opportunity to visit the famed university during this working visit.
According to him, the university which will be operational from Jan 1, 2018 will take over the Al Bukhary International University in Alor Setar, Kedah and will introduce several courses that are technical and technology inclined like engineering, defence and aviation.
He said the setting up of the university had received the approval of the Malaysian Higher Education Ministry and would see a foreign-local student enrolment ratio of 80:20.
"We see Turkey has the expertise in producing graduates in these fields and Turkey will be able to make a success of transfer of knowledge which will be beneficial to Malaysian students," he said.
Ahmad Zahid said Turkey had also nominated a candidate to be the rector of the university while the teaching force would be made up of various nationalities including from Turkey and Malaysia.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the Turkish government had worked hard to ensure the success of the setting up of the university which President Erdogan himself will officiate when he attends the Putrajaya International Security Dialogue on Jan 5 and 6 next year.
He added that Turkey was also looking at setting up the Maarif Foundation to promote educational joint-ventures between the two countries.
Ahmad Zahid said through this foundation, Turkey would offer scholarships to Malaysian students who want to pursue their studies there in certain fields like Education as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
"Turkey will also collaborate in cultural areas through the Yunus Emre Institute to promote culture, the arts and civilisation of both countries," he said.
Regarding the D-8 summit chaired by Turkey, Ahmad Zahid said Turkey and Malaysia managed to raise the humanitarian issue involving Rohingya refugees who were currently sheltering at Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.
He said apart from Malaysia's commitment, Turkey also promised to provide immediate assistance by building a hospital, providing tents besides food and clothing aid.
Malaysia and Turkey would also jointly seek the cooperation of other countries to enable a resolution to be agreed upon internationally, urging Myanmar to take back the Rohingya refugees and allow them to lead normal lives in their homeland, he said.
He also said Malaysia would give priority to the group of D-8 member countries when Malaysia heads the D-8 secretariat after former Malaysian ambassador to Egypt, Datuk Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, assumes the post of new Secretary-General of D-8 starting Jan 1, 2018.
"This D-8 summit has not been held since the last five years, it will be a much awaited conference by member countries," said Ahmad Zahid, who is optimistic that more developing countries will join the group when a proposal to open membership to other countries is accepted in order to strengthen trade and economic cooperation.
The D-8 comprises Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Oct 22 2017
Ahmad Zahid came to Turkey to represent Najib in leading the Malaysian delegation to the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8) Summit. - File photo
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.