PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has congratulated Andy Burnham on his appointment as the United Kingdom's new prime minister, pledging to work with him to strengthen the Malaysia-UK Strategic Partnership.
Anwar said the two countries had an opportunity to expand cooperation in key areas, including digital trade, artificial intelligence, digitalisation, clean energy and defence.
"I look forward to working with him to take the Malaysia-UK Strategic Partnership to the next stage, from concluding a Digital Trade Agreement to closer cooperation in artificial intelligence, digitalisation, clean energy and defence," Anwar said.
The Prime Minister also welcomed Burnham's recent acknowledgement that Britain's initial response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza had fallen short, as well as his call for greater pressure on Israel.
"I was encouraged by Mr Burnham’s recent acknowledgement that Britain’s initial response to the suffering in Gaza fell short, and by his call for greater pressure on the Israeli regime. At a time when many in the West have struggled to show the moral clarity this crisis demands, that recognition is a welcome and important first step," he said.
Anwar highlighted that 2027 would mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the United Kingdom, describing it as an opportunity to renew commitments and shape the future of bilateral ties.
"Next year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the United Kingdom. It will be a fitting opportunity to renew our commitment to this longstanding partnership and to shape its next chapter together," he said.
He also expressed appreciation to former British prime minister Keir Starmer for his contributions to Malaysia-UK relations during his time in office.
"I also take this opportunity to thank Keir Starmer for his contributions to Malaysia-UK relations during his tenure as Prime Minister. I wish him every success in his future endeavours," Anwar said.
On a similar note, US President Donald Trump said he had held a "very good conversation" with Burnham following his appointment and expected to meet him in the near future.
Trump said discussions between the two leaders covered North Sea oil, trade, military cooperation and efforts to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz.
"We discussed North Sea Oil, Trade, the Military Alliance, Demining of the Hormuz Strait, and many other topics. The call was interesting, and went very well," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"We will be meeting in the not too distant future for topics of mutual interest," Reuters cited him adding.
Burnham's office said he assured Trump that Britain remained committed to defence and security cooperation and would support efforts to safely reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blocked since the outbreak of conflict, contributing to rising global energy prices.
Relations between Trump and UK’s former PM Keir Starmer had become strained after Britain initially rejected a US request to use British bases for strikes on Iran, before later approving access.
Trump had previously criticised Burnham, describing him as "extremely liberal" and questioning whether the new prime minister would support increased oil drilling in the North Sea. - July 21, 2026
