Royal guests: Sultan Abdullah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah meeting Malaysians during the dinner in Istanbul. — Bernama
ISTANBUL: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah is optimistic that bilateral relations between Malaysia and Turkiye will continue to strengthen ahead of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations in 2024.
His Majesty said Malaysia and Turkiye had agreed that the bilateral relations, which were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership, would remain strong through various collaborations between the two countries.
“The state visit to Turkiye is a foundation for strengthening bilateral ties and a catalyst in building a friendship that has been established for more than six decades.
“As such, I hope that relations between Malaysia and Turkiye will continue to be maintained and carefully guarded,” His Majesty said at a dinner with the Malaysian diaspora here on Friday night.
The dinner, attended by about 100 Malaysians, was part of the itinerary of the King’s seven-day visit to Turkiye, which started last Monday, Bernama reported.
Also present were Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and their children Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Afzan Aminah Hafizatullah and Tengku Puteri Raja Puteri Jihan ‘Athiyatullah.
Accompanying the royal family were Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin.
Some 600 Malaysians currently reside in Turkiye. They comprise students of higher education institutions, professionals and spouses of local citizens.
Through these strong bilateral ties, His Majesty said Malaysians had the privilege of pursuing their studies and earning a living in the country.
In addition, His Majesty said Malaysians had achieved success and gained recognition in Turkiye in various fields.
“They have striven to be outstanding in making the country proud.
“Nur Balqis Abdul Rashid is the first Malaysian to be recognised by the Turkish government, as a professional Malay-Turkish translator.
“Personally, I felt very proud when President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan himself acknowledged Nur Balqis’ command of the Turkish and English language during my four-eye meeting with Erdogan,” said His Majesty.
The King, who expressed his happiness with the state visit to Turkiye, also said it was like a dream come true for him to be able to set foot in the country for the first time at the age of 63.
Meanwhile, a restaurant operator in Turkiye, Syaraff Al Sadat Mohsein, who attended the event, said the strong bilateral cooperation in various sectors between the two countries had opened up opportunities to various quarters, especially Malaysian businessmen and investors.
He said in November 2021, when the pandemic forced businesses to close, the only country that opened its border was Turkiye, and many decided to start their businesses here.
Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines pilot Fauzul Kabyr Faizal Nur, who took the opportunity to meet their Majesties at the dinner, said the friendly relations between Malaysia and Turkiye had opened a window of opportunities for trade and investment, allowing Malaysians to earn a living in Turkiye.
“I am lucky to be able to meet the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong today. His Majesty also said that this is his first time here and we Malaysians who live here are greatly honoured by the visit,” said Fauzul Kabyr, who has been working with the airline for two years.
