Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Begins Five-Day Working Visit to the UK
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived in London for a five-day working visit to strengthen ties with Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner among European Union member countries. The visit underscores the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, education, and climate change.
Anwar's aircraft landed at Stansted Airport at 10:50 PM local time on Tuesday (6:50 AM Wednesday in Malaysia) after completing a three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Prime Minister was welcomed by Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK Datuk Zakri Jaafar, Defence Attaché Datuk Brig Gen Safwan @ Asri Ismail, and British officials, including Richard Wildash, Special Representative of the British Foreign Secretary, and David Wallace, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.
The visit, undertaken at the invitation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, marks Anwar's first trip to the UK since assuming office in November 2022. He is accompanied by several key ministers, including Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
On Wednesday, Anwar and Starmer are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting to review the progress of Malaysia-UK relations. The discussions will focus on strengthening collaboration in trade, investment, and other sectors, including higher education, climate change, renewable energy, agricommodities, and tourism. They will also exchange views on ASEAN-UK Dialogue Relations and regional and global issues. As the ASEAN Chair for 2025, Anwar will emphasize Malaysia's priorities and efforts in addressing challenges within the region and beyond.
Anwar’s itinerary in London includes a meeting with the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, and delivering a keynote address at InvestMalaysia. He will also host a business roundtable and engage in one-on-one sessions with industry leaders to attract foreign investments. Additionally, the Prime Minister will officiate the Malaysia Auditorium at the London School of Economics (LSE) and deliver a special lecture.
A significant highlight of the visit is the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the Malaysia-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (MUKJETCO). Anwar will also attend key events, including the launch of a solar farm project by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Malaysia, a product launch by YTL Group UK, and a visit to the Battersea Power Station, Malaysia's largest investment in Europe involving public funds.
The Foreign Ministry stated that this visit reaffirms the strong bilateral relationship between Malaysia and the UK, with trade and investment as key pillars. The UK remains Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner in Europe, with total trade amounting to RM15.30 billion (US$3.34 billion) in 2024. Exports totaled RM7.83 billion (US$1.71 billion), while imports were recorded at RM7.47 billion (US$1.63 billion).
On January 19, the Prime Minister will depart for Brussels to continue his international engagements.
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