Malaysian Embassy in Ankara marks 65th Independence Day

By Dilara Hamit

ANKARA (AA) - The Malaysian Embassy in the Turkish capital Ankara hosted a reception on Monday to commemorate the country's 65th Independence Day.

"On 31st of August 1957 Malaysia joined the community of nations as this country gained independence from the UK," Ambassador Sazali Mustafa Kamal said in a speech at the event.

He stated that Türkiye's and Malaysia's diplomatic relations began in 1964 and since then ties between the two Muslim countries have grown and matured.

"During the recent visit (this July) by the honorable Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri, prime minister of Malaysia, to Türkiye bilateral relations between our two countries have been further advanced to comprehensive strategic partnership. This is a serious effort by Malaysia to intensify bilateral relations in spheres, be it in the field of the economy, culture, or defense," Kamal added.

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar also attended the reception to celebrate the anniversary.

"The fact that our relations have been elevated to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership through this (premier's) visit sets the first of its kind of a relation in terms of other relations with South Asian countries," Akar said.

Akar stated the trade volume between Türkiye and Malaysia is rising as a result of cooperation in many industries, and that cooperation in the military industry is essential in the two countries' relations.

Pointing to Turkish defense firm TAI opening an office in Malaysia last year as an important sign of this, Akar expressed his belief that defense industry cooperation will grow even more.

"We will continue to do everything necessary to improve relations between Turkey and Malaysia, and we will make every effort to do so," he said.