NEW YORK: Britain has asked Malaysia to relay its wish to continue working with Asean post Brexit.
Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said British Prime Minister Theresa May had conveyed this to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in a bilateral meeting yesterday.
“United Kingdom had stated its desire to continue working with Asean, considering it had ties with Asean prior to exiting the European Union (EU).
“After exiting EU, they want to maintain that relationship.”
Saifuddin said Malaysia would discuss the matter with Asean before any decision was made on Britain’s request.
“The fact that the British Prime Minister had referred to Malaysia as an Asean member to relay its wish is an honour,” he added.
Dr Mahathir, he said, had discussed bilateral cooperation enhancement, and also asked Britain to help with anti-palm oil issues in Europe during the 40-minute meeting.
The European Union (EU) seeks to phase out palm oil from transport fuel. However, earlier this month, EU lawmakers agreed to defer the ban to 2030 from 2021.
Malaysia and Indonesia are the world’s largest palm oil producers.
Dr Mahathir also held bilateral meetings with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani and Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena.
Hassan had sought Malaysia’s understanding and support on issues related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Known as the Iran nuclear deal or Iran deal, it is an agreement on its nuclear programmes.
“This matter is becoming more complicated as the US may introduce more sanctions against Iran.”
Malaysia, Saifuddin said, had asked Iran to give assistance to Malaysian companies investing there, including Petronas.