British Pm To Visit Malaysia To Boost Bilateral Ties

KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Bernama) -- British Prime Minister David Cameron will make a two-day official visit to Malaysia starting Thursday at the invitation of his counterpart, Najib Razak. Cameron's visit, which takes place nine months after the official visit by Najib to the United Kingdom last year, is expected to increase the momentum in bilateral relations between Malaysia and Britain, said the Foreign Ministry in a statement. "The visit is expected to attract more British investments into the country and promote Malaysia as a preferred investment destination in the region," said the state. This will be Cameron's first official visit to Malaysia since becoming prime minister in May 2010. The last visit by a British prime minister to Malaysia was 19 years ago by Sir John Major. Cameron, who will be accorded an official welcoming ceremony, is scheduled to address a United Kingdom-Britain trade and investment forum. In 2011, the UK was Malaysia's fourth largest trading partner in European Union with total trade of RM13.03 billion (US$4.23 billion) while Malaysia was UK's second largest trading partner in Asean. In manufacturing sector, total investment from the UK firms stood at RM19.17 billion (US$6.23 billion) for implemented and approved projects. Wisma Putra (Foreign Ministry) said that both prime ministers would hold a meeting to discuss bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest as well as exchanging views on regional and international developments. "The meeting will provide a platform for both leaders to strengthen existing cooperation and find new opportunities to further enhance bilateral relations, especially in trade and investment, defence, science and technology, and higher education," the statement said. Given Cameron's support for the Global Movement of the Moderates (GMM) espoused by Najib, both leaders will attend a GMM programme at the University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus. Cameron will be accompanied by British Minister of State for Trade and Investment Lord Stephen Green and Minister of State for Universities and Science David Willets. The 83-member British prime minister's delegation comprises government officials, business leaders and media personnel. -- BERNAMA