UK-Malaysia Relations Set To Enter Strategic Partnership - British Envoy

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- The 77th birthday of King Charles III was commemorated in Malaysia on Thursday for the first time since his accession to the throne, underscoring the deepening historical bonds between the United Kingdom (UK) and Malaysia as both nations chart a path towards a strategic partnership.

At the reception to celebrate King Charles III’s birthday, British High Commissioner Ajay Sharma said the UK and Malaysia are poised to elevate longstanding ties to a strategic partnership following a mutual agreement between both nations’ prime ministers to strengthen collaboration across multiple sectors.

“Our two prime ministers share an ambitious vision and have agreed to elevate the relationship between the UK and Malaysia to a strategic partnership, in particular in the areas of education, energy, defence and trade,” he said.

bootstrap slideshow

He said that the next phase of engagement would focus on delivering tangible benefits to citizens in both countries.

“The list of our bilateral co-operation is endless,” said Sharma.

“We shouldn't take the relationship between our two countries for granted. We need to keep working at delivering for our people through this relationship,” he added.

He stressed that the historic and cultural links between the UK and Malaysia, rooted in centuries-old royal traditions, continue to reinforce diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people connections between the two nations.

“This royal link is something we have shared with Malaysia for centuries. It binds our countries and peoples together in a unique way,” he said.

Highlighting Malaysia’s unique character, Sharma, who recently assumed his post in Kuala Lumpur, also expressed his admiration for the host nation.

“Malaysia is a country that is both welcoming and dynamic. It's a country rich in history, diversity and opportunities,” he added.

Themed ‘The Great British Fantasia’, the birthday celebration was inspired by King Charles’s love of literature and paid tribute to the fantastic and magical elements of British storytelling heritage, from The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter to Alice in Wonderland and The Chronicles of Narnia.

The event, hosted by Sharma and his wife Evren Sharma, featured performances by the UK’s Royal Marine Band and the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, alongside a spread of traditional British fare.

The event drew over 700 attendees, including members of the Malaysian royalty, senior government officials, foreign diplomats and business leaders. Among the special guests was Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who represented the Malaysian government.

-- BERNAMA