Malaysia looks for stronger economic ties with Turkey

By Adem Salvarcioglu

ANKARA (AA) - Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has said Turkey and Malaysia have to be strong economically to help the Ummah (Muslim community).

Malaysia is willing to work with Turkey to help refugees, Wan Azizah said in her meeting with Merve Safa Kavakci, Turkey’s ambassador to Kuala Lumpur, according to the state news agency, Bernama.

We have to be strong and help each other to make the world a better place for all, Wan Azizah said.

Wan Azizah said both countries should increase collaboration as "two regional powers”.

“When we thrive sustainably ourselves, we can be of better help to the needy,” she added.

Turkey is looking forward to cooperate in the fields of health, education, defense, construction, organic and general food, textile, as well as innovative technology and information production, Kavakci said.

Kavakci said Malaysia is a passage to Asia and India, while Turkey could help Malaysia become more active in Africa.

She also said Malaysia’s exports to Turkey is around $3 million, while Turkey’s export to Malaysia is $300 million.

“We want to bring Turkish industries and Malaysian industries together, not in a way for one side to dominate the other, but to collaborate, to join hands in technology transfer, in building together and in putting heads together,” Kavakci added.