London, 10 October 2024 – The High Commission of Malaysia in London proudly hosted a grand reception in celebration of three significant national milestones: the 67th National Day, the 61st Malaysia Day, and the 91st Malaysia Armed Forces Day. The event took place at the Park City Grand Plaza Kensington Hotel.
His Excellency Dato’ Zakri Jaafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the United Kingdom, graciously welcomed the esteemed guest of honour, Ms. Catherine West, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Indo-Pacific), Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The event was also attended by distinguished guests, including representatives from the UK Government, members of the diplomatic corps, international organisations, business people and notable Malaysians residing in the UK.
His Excellency Dato’ Zakri Jaafar began his speech with pantun, a form of Malay verse used to express intricate ideas and emotions. He then highlighted the enduring and robust bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Malaysia. He underscored the importance of collaborations under key frameworks such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), United Nation, the Commonwealth and the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). The two nations have ties as far back as the 15th century, and continues till today, with UK being Malaysia’s 21st large trading partner with bilateral trade reaching USD3.8 billion in 2023. His Excellency further emphasised Malaysia’s commitment to ASEAN, particularly as the nation assumes the Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, with a focus on fortifying ASEAN centrality, advancing global aspirations, and promoting inclusive, people-driven policies.
The evening was a medley of vibrant cultural presentations. The festivities included a captivating kompang performance which added to the vibrancy of the occasion. Guests were also presented with a live batik demonstration and the opportunity to participate in painting on a special batik created exclusively for the event. Guests were also engaged by an exhibition of selected paintings featuring Malaysia’s flora and fauna. A highlight of the reception was a traditional Teh Tarik pouring demonstration, which accompanied an array of authentic Malaysian delicacies, including nasi lemak, roti canai, char kuey teow and a selection of kuih-muih.
This event was a celebration of the unity, strength, and enduring partnership between Malaysia and the United Kingdom, and also highlighted the important roles cultural and gastro diplomacy play in fostering mutual understanding and building lasting partnerships.