M'sian PM Leaves To London For Two-Day Working Visit

PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), May 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak is making a two-day working visit to London, beginning Monday. The Prime Minister, accompanied by his wife Rosmah Mansor left from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport's Bunga Raya Complex at 11.15pm Sunday night. The visit is at the invitation of The Prince of Wales, His Royal Highness Prince Charles, to attend a reception on the conferment of the Royal Charter on the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The Conferment of the Royal Charter to the OCIS is significant as it marks the first time an Islamic institution in the United Kingdom (UK) is conferred with such a prestigious status since such Charters were granted by successive Sovereigns from 1231. In May, last year, Najib gave a keynote address organised by the OCIS at the Sheldonian Theatre of the University of Oxford, entitled 'Coalition of Moderates and Inter-Civilization Understanding', which was well received. Prince Charles, who is also Patron of the OCIS, invited the prime minister to be a member of the High Council of the OCIS (which comprises a small and select group of the world's most senior leaders), which Najib accepted. The prime minister's membership in the OCIS High Council and attendance at the reception will further enhance the significance of the Global Movement of Moderates at the international level, in particular the value of moderation in addressing all forms of extremism. During the visit to London, Najib is scheduled to witness the signing of two memoranda of understanding between a Malaysian company and British companies. He is scheduled to meet the Malaysian community in the UK during the visit. -- BERNAMA