ISTANBUL: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described his official visit to Turkey in conjunction with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8) Summit as "extraordinary", especially with regards to boosting ties with the host country.
Zahid said both Malaysia and Turkey are prepared to spearhead cooperation in various fields including education, on top of discussing regional and global issues.
He said, in a closed-door meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, several issues affecting common and regional interests were discussed.
“Among the things that we agreed upon was the construction of a Malaysian branch of the Ibn Haldun private university.
"This university will replace the Al Bukhary International University in Alor Star, Kedah,” he told the Malaysian media today.
Zahid said the move will start with the formation of three departments which will have academicians from Turkey, Malaysia and scholars from other Muslim countries.
“A rector will be appointed but the students and administration are already there at the university. The intake ratio will be 80 per cent foreign students and 20 per cent Malaysian students.
“This has been approved by the Higher Education Ministry,” he said.
He said the courses offered include civilisation, as well as technical and engineering as Turkey is an expert in the field.
“Turkey is well-known in the defence, safety and aviation industry; therefore, we are confident with the knowledge transfer and technology with regards to the students."
He said the formation of the campus branch is a collaboration between the Higher Education Ministry and the Turkish Higher Learning Board.
“The officiation ceremony will be held next January, when Erdogan makes his official visit to Malaysia."
Zahid said Turkey has requested to form the Maarif Foundation, which aims to promote the two countries’ collaboration in the education field.
He said scholarships will be offered to Malaysian students who wish to study in Turkey.
“Turkey will cooperate in the culture department through the Yunus Emre Institute by promoting arts and culture between the two countries."
Zahid said that at regional level, Turkey is committed to aiding the Rohingya who are now at the refugee camp in Kutupalong, Cox’s Bazaar in Bangladesh.
“The Turkish government will build 20 refugee camps in Kutupalong, a hospital and a school while food and clothes will be bought in Bangladesh."
Translated from Harian Metro