MALAYSIA and Turkiye have agreed to continue to work together to ensure their food supply chains remain adequate and stable.

Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan concurred that the food security issue has become increasingly worrisome during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“In fact, it has become more critical now because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” he told a joint press conference with Erdogan at the Presidential Complex in Ankara today. The press conference was telecast live by several television stations in Turkiye and Malaysia, including Bernama TV.

Ismail, who is on a four-day official visit to the republic at the invitation of Erdogan, said that among the immediate steps taken by Malaysia and Turkiye to tackle this issue is boosting trade in food products and maintaining their cooperation in sharing information and experiences.

At the same time, the two countries will intensify research and development in the food sector to enhance their capacity to produce food resources and ensure the stability and sustainability of their food security.

The prime minister said he had also conveyed to Erdogan the good news that the Malaysian government had accorded recognition to degrees from 208 universities in Turkiye.

“I am confident that this will give a boost to international standard research products from the universities in both countries. Furthermore, this is the (kind of) news being awaited by Keluarga Malaysıa children who studied or are still pursuing their studies in this country (Turkiye),” he added. 

Ismail said he and Erdogan also agreed to step up cooperation between the two countries in the defence industry.

“I informed the president that during this visit I had the opportunity to hold meetings with and make visits to several defence industry players in Turkiye,” said Ismail, who yesterday visited two major Turkish defence and aerospace industry companies – MKE Corporation and Turkish Aerospace Industries. 

The two countries were also in agreement on the need for continued support for the Palestinian struggle, said Ismail, adding that Malaysia appreciates Turkiye’s stand and efforts in championing the cause of the Palestinians.

“The two nations, along with like-minded countries, will continue to coordinate efforts towards seeking an end to the occupation by the Zionist regime and in realising Palestine as an independent and sovereign country,” he said.

On the Russia-Ukraıne issue, the prime minister said he praised Erdogan’s efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and that they both agreed all parties involved should take immediate action to settle the conflict, which has threatened world peace.

The prime minister said at his meeting with Erdogan he congratulated the president on the United Nations’ recognition of the country’s name change from Turkey to Turkiye.

Ismail is accompanied on the visit by Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah; International Trade and Industry Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Adham Baba; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Abdul Latiff Ahmad; air force chief Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan; and army chief Zamrose Mohd Zain. 

Turkiye is Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner in the Middle East, after Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with total trade between the two countries hitting RM16.97 billion in 2021 and projects implemented worth RM444.59 million. – Bernama, July 7, 2022.