KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim congratulated Keir Starmer on the Labour Party's landslide win in the 2024 United Kingdom general election.
On his official social media channels, Anwar highlighted Malaysia's unique relationship with the UK, saying, "The partnership between Malaysia and Britain is an enduring one, woven through history, and strengthened by the close bonds of kith and kin".
He also highlighted Malaysia's economic and strategic relationship with the UK through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).
The CPTPP, which succeeded the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement after the United States withdrew, was signed by Malaysia in 2018, and ratified in 2022.
By participating, Malaysia sought to enhance its access to markets and investors in the UK, especially after the country withdrew from the European Union.
Meanwhile, Malaysia and the UK shared a close strategic bond through the FPDA, following the withdrawal of UK forces from the country and Singapore in 1971.
Since then, high-level security discussions and military exercises have been held alongside Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand – the other members of the military pact.
Starmer, poised to be the next British prime minister, emphasised a pragmatic approach to foreign policy and is likely to maintain, and strengthen such relations.
"I look forward to working with Starmer and his team to develop a new strategic relationship, built on inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect, people-to-people connection, and a shared vision for the future," said Anwar.
Anwar has maintained a strong diplomatic engagement with European countries and is committed to strengthening bilateral relations.
In March, Anwar met with his German counterpart, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, accompanied by a Malaysian delegation represented by several senior ministers.