PUTRAJAYA, Jan 10 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Malaysia and Turkey which share common beliefs, faith and values have chosen a moderate, progressive vision of Islam.
He said both countries had shown that Islam and democracy were not mutually exclusive but mutually dependent.
“Where others have succumbed to radicalism, we have chosen a moderate, progressive vision of Islam. Where others have fallen away from democratic principles, we share a commitment to both the spirit and the practice of democracy.
“These decisions have shaped the story of our nations, and afforded us the respect of our peers,” he said at the official dinner in conjunction with the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Malaysia, at Seri Perdana here today.
Erdogan, who is on a two-day working visit to Malaysia, is flying home tonight. The visit is significant as it marks the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-Turkey diplomatic relations established in 1964.
Also present were the prime minister’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Erdogan’s wife, Emine and Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia, Tan Sri Ali Hamsa.
Najib said both countries had pioneered a model of economic development based not just on the discovery of mineral wealth, but on the ingenuity of the people and strived to exercise the diplomatic leadership which characterised the great Islamic empires of old.
Preparing for closer regional integration in Turkey with the European Union and in Malaysia with Asean economic community, Najib said both countries must be equal to the challenges; rise to the occasion and deliver the economic and democratic development that the people deserved.
“It is in this context that I am pleased that we have today agreed to the Joint Declaration on the Framework for Strategic Cooperation. From politics to trade, from education to defence, we are laying the foundation for greater dialogue and closer collaboration.
“Our task now is to turn this strong beginning into a lasting success, to affirm our commitment to co-operation in pursuit of higher aims,” he said.
As Malaysia and Turkey opened their economies to outside investment, Najib said both countries must work to secure a better standard of living for the people, and a brighter economic future for both nations.
“In the face of demographic and technological change, we look to strengthen our societies and the democracy that they depend on,” he added.
Meanwhile, Erdogan said both nations had taken a very important step during their restricted meeting today and it was in line with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the Republic of Turkey in 1964.
He said Malaysia and Turkey had proven that Islam and democracy could co-exist, and this would be a good example to other countries.
“I am of the opinion that over time this good practice of good governance will be followed by other countries, and hope that both nations will continue to foster good relationship in bilateral trade, student exchange and many more,” Erdogan said.
He said they also discussed the importance of having more student exchanges and perhaps one of the important decisions that were made today was the abolishment of the visa.
“It is quite difficult to understand why we imposed visas as we are brothers...with the abolishment of the visa, the population between the two countries will have more opportunities to visit back and forth which will foster good bilateral relationship,” he said.
Both nations had no issues or outstanding problems in terms of diplomatic relationship in the international scene and he believed the signing of the strategic cooperation agreement today was a very important turning point to their relationship. — Bernama
