UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (pic) is here as part of a week-long visit to South-East Asia to further boost economic and security links with the region.Her trip follows a new “Dialogue Partnership” agreement between the UK and Asean which will include interactions at annual Foreign and Economic Ministers meetings along with other ministerial engagements.
The British High Commission said Truss, who arrived last night, wanted to help advance discussions on closer economic and tech relationships between London and Kuala Lumpur.
She is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and also hold meetings with Senior Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
Malaysia and the UK are scheduled to sign a Strategic Dialogue agreement and an MoU on healthcare partnership.
Truss will also join Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed for a business round- table with UK companies in Malaysia.
She described the UK’s ties with key South-East Asian nations as “underpowered”, saying deepening them will deliver jobs and opportunities to the UK while boosting security and prosperity in the region.
“I want to position Britain where the future growth is and to think about who our major partners will be in 2050 and beyond.
“South-East Asia will be the engine of the global economy and I want Britain to be a part of that, upgrading our economic and security relations with the region to reflect its growing importance.
“Deeper ties are a win-win, delivering jobs and opportunities for British people while ensuring an open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” she said in remarks released through the High Commission.
British High Commissioner Charles Hay reiterated that the UK regarded Malaysia as an important partner in Asean.
“The Foreign Secretary’s visit reflects our commitment to engage and work with Malaysia in areas of shared interest,” he added.
Truss, who is also Minister for Women and Equalities, will leave for Thailand tonight and next head to Indonesia.
Source: The Star
