Higher Flight Frequency Boosts Trade, Business Ties: Turkey Envoy

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Tourism between Malaysia and Turkey has flourished since Turkish Airlines introduced daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul in May this year, Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia Ugur Dogan said. The increased flight frequency has also encouraged trade and business linkages, he said in officiating the Turkish Day 2014 on Wednesday night. According to reports, Turkish Airlines increased its frequency to daily flights in May onwards from four times a week previously. The airline flew in 10,000 passengers from Turkey to Malaysia last year and anticipates the number to reach 20,000 this year. "We are continuously enhancing bilateral collaboration and cooperation in many sectors such as in promoting trade and investments, people to people context and cultural relations," the envoy said. The event, held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-Turkey diplomatic relations at the Pavilion shopping complex here until Oct 17, showcases Turkish culture, arts and craft as well as Turkish food and beverages. Also present were Minister of Tourism and Culture Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz and Turkish Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Abdurrahman Arici. On another note, Dogan said Turkey will organise a major exhibition on the country's contemporary art at the Islamic Arts Museum here from Dec 2 until the end of January next year. Cultural events such as Turkish Day and the art exhibition could strengthen and deepen relations between the two countries, he added. --BERNAMA