WIFE OF TURKISH PM EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO MALAYSIANS

From Zuriati Zulmi
ISTANBUL, May 5 (Bernama) -- Emine Erdogan, wife of Turkey's prime
minister, has expressed gratitude and appreciation over Malaysia's contributions
to the families of nine Turkish nationals killed during an Israeli assault on
the aid ship "Mavi Marmara" in international waters in May last year.
This was conveyed to the wife of Malaysian prime minister, Rosmah Mansor, when they met Wednesday.

"I took the opportunity to express my sadness and sympathy to the families
of the victims," she told Malaysian journalists here Thursday.

Rosmah was accompanied at the two-hour meeting by members of the Association
of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) and Malaysian women
entrepreneurs.

She said that Erdogan was keen for both sides to forge cooperation in the
fields of social and welfare services, especially in extending aid to countries
hit by natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunami and floods.

"She said that our interaction shouldn't be confined to the formal level as
we should be able to pick up the phone to talk about any issue or initiative to
help other people," said Rosmah.

She said they exchanged views on other topics such as health and well-being,
and reflected on their experience of accompanying their respective husbands.

Erdogan played the gracious host, delighting Rosmah and her delegation with
an array of Turkish cuisine.

Rosmah also said the fact that she was given the honour of ringing the
opening bell of the Istanbul Stock Exchange on Wednesday, could be viewed as a
recognition for all Malaysian women.