Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Embarks on Key UK Visit

LONDON: ⁣Datuk Seri Anwar‌ Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, is set to commence⁢ a significant five-day working⁢ visit to the United Kingdom (UK) starting with an exclusive meeting alongside‌ his‌ British counterpart, Keir Starmer, scheduled‍ for‍ Wednesday (January 15).

Exclusive Meeting at Downing Street

This ⁢pivotal discussion is arranged for 1​ PM local time (9 PM in Malaysia) at the‍ esteemed No. 10‍ Downing Street—the official residence of the UK Prime Minister.

Bilateral Discussions Aimed at Strengthening Ties

As Malaysia undertakes its role as the current chair of⁤ ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), both leaders will⁢ guide their respective ‌delegations in a bilateral dialogue aimed at⁢ enhancing the historical partnership between​ their nations.

Anwar’s Distinguished Delegation

The Malaysian delegation accompanying Prime Minister Anwar includes prominent figures such as Senator Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry; Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Minister of Higher Education; and Datuk Seri ‍Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Plantation and Commodities. The group will also be joined by‍ Datuk Zakri Jaafar,⁣ Malaysia’s High Commissioner to both the UK and Northern Ireland.

Key Topics⁢ on the Agenda

The discussions are anticipated to‍ cover a variety of important bilateral matters while also⁣ addressing broader regional issues including situations in Myanmar and Palestine.

UK Government Position on⁣ International Aid

The administration ⁣led by Starmer has recently‍ halted certain ‌arms sales to Israel while ⁣urging increased humanitarian support for Gaza and the West Bank—an issue likely to feature prominently ⁤during⁤ conversations between both leaders.

A Noteworthy Product Launch Event

On the ⁣same day following this crucial meeting, Prime Minister Anwar—who ‌also holds the position of Finance Minister—will participate in a product launch event organized by ⁢YTL Group UK.

Malaysia-UK Trade Relations ‍Flourishing

The United Kingdom ranks as Malaysia’s ​fourth-largest trading partner within Europe. Recent figures reveal that trade relations reached an impressive RM15.30 billion (approximately USD $3.34 billion) during the initial eleven months of 2024—a testament to their strong economic ​ties. – Bernama