I am very pleased indeed to have this opportunity of welcoming Dr. Mahathir to No. 10 during his private visit to the United Kingdom. We were able to have a talk when I stopped briefly in Kuala Lumpur in August and today is an opportunity to take our discussions further. I think these increased contacts are a sign of the excellent relations between [end p1] the United Kingdom and Malaysia. It is always very rewarding to discuss regional and wider international issues with the Prime Minister.
I am also very pleased that we have today signed this Memorandum of Understanding, covering the purchase by the Malaysian Government of a range of defence equipment from UK industry. [end p2] I see this as a vote of confidence by the Malaysian Government in the capacity of our defence industries, following similar arrangements made with other great friends of Britain such as Saudi Arabia. They know that they get the best both in terms of the quality of equipment, as well as continued support and help in the long term. [end p3]
Malaysia has a very important role in South East Asia and more widely, which incurs more responsibility, and this Memorandum of Understanding will help her in the task of discharging that responsibility for her own defence and the defence of the region.
We also look forward to continuing close co-operation in other sectors including in the field of civil projects, where the UK [end p4] is already helping and will continue to do so.
We are all looking forward very much to CHOGM in Kuala Lumpur next year, which will be a great success, under Dr. Mahathir 's chairmanship.
Meanwhile may I ask you all to raise your glasses and drink a toast to the Prime [end p5] Minister of Malaysia, to the excellent relations between our two countries and to the successful implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding.