TURKIYE CELEBRATES 101ST ANNIVERSARY, HIGHLIGHTS DEEPENING TIES WITH MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- The Turkish Embassy in Malaysia hosted a reception Tuesday night to mark the republic’s 101st anniversary.

Attended by around 600 distinguished guests from the diplomatic corps, government officials, and the Turkish diaspora, the celebration featured a vibrant showcase of Turkish culture and cuisine.

Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia Emir Salim Yuksel, in his remark, reflected on Turkiye’s global role and its strategic partnership with Malaysia, emphasising the enduring and evolving ties between the two nations.

“Turkiye is a proud member of the United Nations (UN), North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, contributing to peace and security with its 260 diplomatic missions worldwide.

“Malaysia, with its educated youth and strong infrastructure, is poised for a central role in Asia,” Yuksel said, pledging Turkiye’s support for Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship.

“Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair will enhance its influence at the heart of Asia, and we are pleased to see this development,” he added, also highlighting deepening defence cooperation and expanding trade and tourism between the two countries.

Marking 60 years of ties, he recalled how Turkiye and Malaysia first formalised relations in 1964 and reaffirmed their bond with a call between Turkish President Erdogan and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in June.

The Guest of Honour for the evening was Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

-- BERNAMA