UK-M’sian partnership remains unchanged

PETALING JAYA: Britain’s historic decision of leaving the European Union (EU) will not change the important partnership between the country and Malaysia, said British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell.

“My team and I at the British High Commission will continue to focus on further strengthening our relationship with Malaysia for the mutual interests of our countries.”

She said the British government would now work towards delivering the will of the people.

“The UK economy is fundamentally strong.

“We remain the fifth largest economy in the world, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a member of the G7, G20 and Nato,” she said in a statement.

She also said that Britain continued to be the only member of the group which spends 2% of GDP on defence and security and 0.7% on helping others through its development assistance programmes.

EU ambassador and head of delegation to Malaysia Luc Vandebon said he was unhappy with the outcome as it was not favourable to both the EU and Britain.

He reserved his comments until there was a result from the EU parliament meeting.