Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim broadcasted to his compatriots a phone call he received from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to congratulate him on his election victory.
In a press conference held Thursday, Anwar Ibrahim heard the Malaysians talking to Erdogan during the phone call.
The Alliance of Hope, led by Anwar Ibrahim, won the November 19 elections in Malaysia, to reserve 82 seats in Parliament.
Erdogan extended his congratulations to Anwar Ibrahim during the call on the occasion of his victory in the elections and his appointment as prime minister.
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The Turkish president hoped that his efforts to prepare his cabinet would succeed, and that his government would start its duties as soon as possible.
He pointed out that Turkey and Malaysia are located on the two wings of the Islamic world, and that the exceptional relations between them rose to the level of a “comprehensive strategic partnership” during a visit by former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaqoub to Turkey last July.
He stated that the excellent relations between the two countries were crowned during the visit of the King of Malaysia, Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, to Turkey last August.
Erdogan expressed his confidence that the close cooperation between the two countries will be further strengthened during Ibrahim’s government, on the basis of mutual trust and the interests of the two peoples.
He pointed out that there are great potentials for cooperation between the two sides in the fields of defense industry, trade in local currencies, finance, education and combating terrorism.
He said, “I consider Malaysia a brotherly and friend as an important partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.”
He stressed that continuing cooperation and solidarity in international forums will benefit both countries.
In turn, Anwar Ibrahim expressed his happiness and thanks to Erdogan for the congratulations, describing him as “a source of inspiration and a good brother” who stood by them in difficult times.
He said he was looking forward to developing bilateral economic, trade and cultural relations between Malaysia and Turkey.
He pointed out that King Abdullah informed him of his happiness about the hospitality he received from President Erdogan and his wife, Mrs. Amina, during his recent visit to Turkey.
It was reported that the king also said that cooperation and bilateral relations between the two countries should be developed in trade, military, education and culture.
He added, “I personally look forward to benefiting from your extensive experience, especially in combating terrorism, which still poses an international and local threat.”