Theresa May and Najib Tun Razak reaffirm strong UK-Malaysia ties

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his British counterpart Theresa May have reaffirmed the strong ties between Malaysia and the United Kingdom, which pre-dated and have continued since Malaysia's independence 60 years ago.

In a statement issued after their meeting at the UK Prime Minister's Office at 10, Downing Street here on Thursday, Najib said, "In addition to our shared values and history, the UK is seeking a new relationship with friends and partners around the world as it leaves the European Union (EU).

"Malaysia is well positioned to add value, strategically located at the heart of Southeast Asia, with strong links to the Muslim world and China,"" he said in the statement.

The meeting which began slightly after 5 pm, lasted for 40 minutes.

Najib said as an outward-looking trading nation which the World Bank recently said was facing the future "from a position of strength", Malaysia welcomed the opportunity to have a closer economic partnership with the UK.

"I assured Prime Minister May that Malaysia will be happy to discuss setting up a trade arrangement between our two countries as soon as possible. We know that trade between our countries will benefit our economies and our peoples."

Najib also said the UK and Malaysia were united on the need to fight terrorism and violent extremism.

"We mourn the deaths of those who have died in the recent appalling attacks in the UK. Malaysia is ready to share its expertise and experience in combating the threat from those who blaspheme the name of Islam by falsely claiming that their atrocities are Islamic," he said.

He said he also discussed with the UK Prime Minister, the humanitarian catastrophe facing the Rohingyas in Myanmar and both of them agreed that the international community must come together to find a solution to bring to an end to the crisis that had shocked both the region and the world.

"Britain and Malaysia are old partners. My discussions with Prime Minister May confirmed the depth of our friendship, and we look forward to our two countries working together to forge a prosperous and secure future for our peoples."

At the media conference with Malaysian journalists on the grounds (outside the building) of 10 Downing Street after the meeting, Najib said they had also touched on a number of issues on bilateral relations and international issues.

"Firstly, I stated as regards to UK's post brexit planning, that Malaysia was ready to consider whatever proposals they made towards further strengthening economic ties, especially boosting trade and investment with Malaysia; since they will be exiting from the EU, surely they will need a new formula in terms of economic relations with the world, and Malaysia is a country with its own strength and with this strength we can certainly add value to UK post brexit's future. "

Najib said the UK Prime Minister welcomed the proposal, and he anticipates more meetings to be held between them at the appropriate time.

"Secondly, our traditional relations in defence, counter terrorism remain; in fact we will further reinforce aspects that would enable us to successfully combat the threat of terrorism, extremism and so on.

"We also had a discussion about the (Eurofighter) typhoon multi role combat aircraft. Malaysia is not ready to make any decision on it at this point.