London: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has commenced a four-day working visit to the United Kingdom, marking another significant engagement between the two nations. This visit, which extends until Wednesday, is aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties and exploring opportunities across various sectors.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK and Northern Ireland, Datuk Zakri Jaafar, highlighted that the visit follows recent trips by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in January and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof in April. The visit is anticipated to further solidify the relationship between Malaysia and the UK, while also providing a platform for Malaysia to showcase its achievements as Chair of ASEAN 2025.

Ahmad Zahid, accompanied by senior officials from the Foreign Ministry, the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, and the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry, is expected to arrive at Heathrow International Airport
this evening. During his visit, Ahmad Zahid will meet with UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, to discuss bilateral relations and disaster risk management.

Additionally, Ahmad Zahid will address the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Forum at University College London, where he will present on Malaysia’s leadership in ASEAN and its focus on skill-building for a shared future. The forum will gather participants including ASEAN mission representatives, students, university officials, academics, and researchers.

Zakri further noted that Ahmad Zahid will engage with Malaysian students in the UK and participate in a roundtable meeting with the franchise industry and tourism sector agencies. This will be followed by the launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 for the UK market, aiming to position Malaysia as a leading tourism destination in Asia.

In line with this initiative, the Deputy Prime Minister will also grant interviews to travel media outlets TTG Med
ia and Wanderlust to bolster the campaign’s outreach. Meanwhile, Wisma Putra emphasized the UK’s significant role as an economic partner for Malaysia, with bilateral trade figures reaching RM16.80 billion in 2024.

Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to continue his international engagements in Geneva following the conclusion of his UK visit.