ANKARA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been awarded Turkish ‘Order of the Republic’, making him the first Asean leader to receive such prestigious award.
The honour, the second highest honour after ‘Order of the State’, was given by Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in conjunction with Dr Mahathir’s first official visit to Turkey since his second time running the office as the Prime Minister.
The award is given to foreign leaders who contributed greatly for the development of friendly relations with Turkey.
In his speech before delivering the award, Erdogan said it was also an appreciation towards Malaysians.
Dr Mahathir, in his reply, said he was grateful for the honour.
The brief but symbolic ceremony was held before they held a joint media conference at the Presidential Complex.