Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Türkiye could serve as a vital link between Europe and Asia if it joins the European Union. He made the remarks at a press conference held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Istanbul alongside European Muslim Union (EMU) President Abu Bakr Rieger.
Mahathir argued that Europe needs direct dialogue with Asia to better understand the rapid economic rise of countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. He warned that Asia's growth could be misread as a threat in Europe, making Türkiye's bridging role all the more critical.
The former prime minister also said Europeans must develop a clearer understanding of Islam, and that Muslims living in Europe bear responsibility for presenting the faith accurately. He suggested the EMU focus its efforts on Istanbul, given the city's geographic position between the two continents.
EMU President Rieger said the organization aims to unite European and Asian Muslims, pointing to Bosnia-Herzegovina as a potential gathering point. He added that the EMU wants to strengthen Islam's economic and social dimensions in Europe, areas he described as directly benefiting people across religious lines.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in January 2007, in its own words.