The UK's Minister for Indo-Pacific Catherine West (left) and Wisma Putra deputy secretary-general (bilateral affairs) Datuk Ahmad Rozian Abd Ghani (second from left) at the annual Commonwealth Observance Day at Commonwealth House pm Monday (March 10). - Photo: Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The United Kingdom's (UK) Minister for Indo-Pacific Catherine West expressed her admiration for Malaysia and its strengths as a Commonwealth member as she joined the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) of Malaysia in celebrating Commonwealth Observance Day here Monday (March 11) evening.
Speaking at the event held at Commonwealth House, she praised the country's beauty and the warm hospitality she received, while highlighting her fruitful discussions with government representatives on shared objectives, including economic growth, security and climate change.
West, who is on her first visit here, said she had met with inspiring female leaders to commemorate International Women's Day and discuss ways to overcome barriers together.
She also highlighted the Commonwealth's resilience and its crucial role in fostering unity and cooperation among member nations in addressing global challenges in economic growth, climate change, inequality, youth unemployment and democracy.
"So, as we mark Commonwealth Day together, there's no more important task than to restore the disrupted harmony of our entire planet for the sake of our younger generations' threatened future.
"I can only hope that the Commonwealth will continue its vital work to restore that harmony," she said.
She praised the new Commonwealth secretary-general, Shirley Botchwey of Ghana, for her commitment to fostering resilience among member states.
During the event, West read King Charles III's official Commonwealth Day message, highlighting His Majesty's emphasis on the Commonwealth's role as a trusted forum for diverse nations to unite.
She noted his tribute to the Commonwealth's men and women who served during World War II and his call for continued cooperation in tackling global issues such as peace, human rights, and environmental restoration.
She reiterated the King's message on the importance of restoring harmony for the sake of future generations.
The celebration themed "Together We Thrive", was attended by Foreign Ministry deputy secretary-general (bilateral affairs) Datuk Ahmad Rozian Abd Ghani, who represented Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
It also brought together high commissioners, community leaders from Commonwealth nations, and distinguished Malaysians to reflect on the importance of collaboration and mutual support in addressing global challenges.
Among them were the High Commissioner of Singapore to Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon, and RCS Malaysia chairman Bernice Narayanan. - Bernama
