Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak paid a visit to Turkey

16-17 April 2014, Ankara-Turkey

Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak paid an official visit to Turkey on April 16-17, 2014 upon the invitation of Prime Minister of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdo?an.

Within the framework of the visit, bilateral political, economic, commercial and cultural relations between the two countries as well as regional and international developments were addressed.

On the occasion of the meeting between Guest Prime Minister and Prime Minister Erdo?an, Free Trade Agreement and Agreement Concerning Mutual Visa Exemption were signed.

Speaking at the joint press conference, Prime Minister Erdo?an recalled the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Malaysia and said In our efforts to develop cooperation with the Southeast Asia countries, our relations with our strategic partner Malaysia give us power and confidence.

“We will put all our efforts to pass the free trade agreement between Turkey and Malaysia at the parliament before it recesses,” Erdogan continued while Najib said, “this is a high and challenging target and both countries need to work hard to achieve this goal and this goal will usher in a new age.”

Najib added that joint economic commission meetings following the signing of a free trade agreement would be held within the shortest possible time.

Noting that the two countries would deepen their academic, economic and commercial cooperation, Erdogan said that Turkey is ready for admission of more Malaysian students to Turkish universities.

Also discussed in the meeting were international and regional issues as well as cooperation between the two states in international organizations such as the U.N., Organization of the Islamic Cooperation and the D-8. Najib vowed that Malaysia would support Turkey’s bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2015 and 2016.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdul Razak together with Foreign Minister Davuto?lu also attended the conference entitled Turkey-Malaysia Strategic Partnership in a Globalizing Asia organized by Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA).

At his speech Foreign Minister Davuto?lu said that it is a great honor to host Malaysian Prime Minister Abdul Razak in Turkey. He noted that both countries contribute to world peace and the strategic partnership agreement between the two countries is of great importance.