UK: Malaysia A Strong Regional Convener, Key Voice In Global South

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- The United Kingdom (UK) has lauded Malaysia as a key regional convener and an influential voice in the Global South, affirming its intent to deepen ties with both Malaysia and ASEAN.

British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma said the UK views Malaysia as an important partner in Southeast Asia, particularly as the country plays a key role as this year’s ASEAN Chair and continues to be a strong voice in the Global South. 

As such, Sharma said the UK and Malaysia are now focused on modernising their longstanding relationship to reflect current global priorities and the aspirations of their people.

“Our relationship is deep and historic, but we’re always looking at ways to modernise it.

“This is about focusing on areas that deliver on our common objectives, growth, security, and creating a mutually respectful and beneficial relationship that’s fit for the 21st century,” he told Bernama on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings.

“We want to work as closely as possible with our Malaysian friends to deliver tangible outcomes for our people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sharma said the UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy had a “very good conversation” with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during Friday’s meeting in Putrajaya.

He said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the UK-Malaysia Strategic Partnership announced during the meeting between the two prime ministers in January.

Sharma said discussions moving forward would prioritise collaboration in areas such as digital and tech, health, education, defence, and climate, with both the public and private sectors playing an important role.

Lammy also praised ASEAN as a “wonderful gathering” upon arriving at the 58th AMM and Related Meetings, underscoring the United Kingdom’s enthusiasm for deepening ties with the region.

“It’s lovely to be here, such a wonderful gathering, really great,” he briefly said to reporters as he headed to a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister  Mohamad Hasan.

On Friday morning, Lammy attended the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) where the session provided an opportunity for the UK and ASEAN member states to review the progress of their partnership since the UK became an official Dialogue Partner in 2021. 

-- BERNAMA