ANKARA: International relations, defence, trade and investment are among issues which Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will be discussing with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his visit that began yesterday.
The one-on-one meeting with Erdogan will be followed by a meeting between delegations from both countries at the Presidential Complex here today, on the second day of Dr Mahathir’s four-day visit.
Malaysian ambassador to Turkey, Datuk Abd Razak Abdul Wahab, said the Malaysian delegation included Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu and International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Darrel Leiking.
“Other issues that could be discussed between the two Muslim leaders are international and regional cooperation, as well as issues regarding Palestine, the Rohingya or problems posed by terrorism,” he told Malaysian reporters here yesterday.
Dr Mahathir is accompanied by his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.
Razak said Dr Mahathir’s official visit, which is at the invitation of the Turkish president, aimed to enhance bilateral ties. Diplomatic relations were first established in 1964.
Last year, trade between the two countries was at RM9.79 billion. Exports from Malaysia to Turkey stood at RM7.97 billion, while imports from Turkey amounted to RM1.82 billion.
“In terms of trade, Turkey is Malaysia’s third largest trading partner from West Asia, while for Turkey, Malaysia is the largest partner among Asean countries,” Razak said, adding that Dr Mahathir’s schedule would be packed with activities ahead of his visit to Istanbul on Friday.
He said Dr Mahathir would be laying a wreath in a ceremony to commemorate Turkey’s founder and first president, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, at the Anitkabir.
It will be followed by a visit to the Turkish Aerospace Industries, a company involved in military aerospace exports, which also produces drones and helicopters.
In Istanbul, Dr Mahathir will be visiting the Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, which is managed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd.
“On the same day, the prime minister will convene a round-table with captains of industry from 35 major companies.
“After that, the prime minister will meet the Malaysian diaspora in Turkey,” he said.
According to a press release from Wisma Putra, the Turkish president will also host a dinner in honour of the Malaysian prime minister.