LONDON: The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is set to embark on a five-day official visit to the United Kingdom (UK), beginning with a private meeting with UK leader Keir Starmer on Wednesday, January 15.
This significant discussion is slated for 1 PM local time (9 PM Malaysian time) at the iconic No. 10 Downing Street.
As Malaysia currently chairs ASEAN, Anwar will engage in talks that aim to deepen the historic ties between Malaysia and the UK alongside his British counterpart during their bilateral discussions.
Accompanying him will be several key officials, including 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. Additionally, Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK and Northern Ireland Datuk Zakri Jaafar will also be present.
Among various topics anticipated for conversation are pressing bilateral matters as well as critical international issues concerning Myanmar and Palestine.
The Starmer government has recently taken steps such as suspending certain weapon sales to Israel while advocating for enhanced humanitarian support directed toward Gaza and the West Bank.
Later in his agenda for that day, Anwar—who also holds the position of Finance Minister—will participate in a product launch organized by YTL Group UK.
The United Kingdom stands as Malaysia’s fourth most significant trading partner within Europe. In fact, trade figures between these nations reached a remarkable RM15.30 billion (approximately US$3.34 billion) during the first eleven months of 2024.- Bernama
