KUALA LUMPUR: Turkey has expressed appreciation for the Malaysia’s contributions to the international arena, especially through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), says Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim (pic).

       The Dewan Negara president said this was conveyed during a telephone conversation with the Speaker of Turkey’s Grand National Assembly, Prof Dr Mustafa Sentop, on Wednesday (May 4).

       In a statement Friday (May 5), Rais said Turkey also expressed its appreciation to Malaysia for the role it has played in the humanitarian efforts.

       "Turkey also expressed its appreciation to Malaysia for its cooperation in Islamic higher education through the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM)," he said.

       Apart from that, he said the August Houses of both countries have also stated the commitment to fight corruption at the international level as well as to find solutions to international conflicts.

       Rais said Turkey also hoped Malaysia would understand the role the country played in issues of peace in the European region, Asean and the OIC platform.

       He also said that he has been invited to attend a special conference from June 21 to 23 in Turkey.

       Malaysia-Turkey diplomatic relations began in 1964.- Bernama