LONDON, Oct 31 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has expressed hope that the very good relations between Malaysia and the United Kingdom could enhance trade and investment between the two countries.

He said the British government’s acceptance of Malaysia is demonstrated by Prime Minister David Cameron’s speech on the first day of the 9th World Islamic Economic Forum on Tuesday.

“I do not need to elaborate. We can see that our relations are very good, and he gave encouraging words about Malaysia in his speech,” he told Malaysian journalists here in response to a question on Malaysia’s improving relations with the United Kingdom.

Najib, who is here on a five-day working visit to attend the WIEF, said Cameron has a high regard for Malaysia’s achievements.

“Business and investment are influenced by signals from their leaders. If their leaders have such positive views about Malaysia, we hope we can benefit,” he said, adding he hoped Malaysia could be seen as an attractive investment destination for British companies involved in cutting-edge technologies.

In the bilateral talks with Cameron at his official residence at No. 10 Downing Street yesterday, the two countries agreed to cooperate in defence and security.

“We discussed cyber security, border security, and also cooperation in defence,” Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said.

Najib said companies in the United Kingdom have expertise in cutting-edge technologies that could be shared with Malaysia.

“It’s up to our experts to decide what particular expertise we need in order to maintain cyber security in Malaysia,” he said.

In the talks lasting nearly half an hour, the two leaders exchanged views on international issues, especially those related to the Middle East.

Earlier, Malaysia and the United Kingdom agreed to raise bilateral trade to RM26 billion by 2016.

Meanwhile, Najib, who also received a courtesy call from Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister Asset Issekeshev, said Kazakhstan is considering whether to allow a Malaysian bank to open a branch in the Central Asian republic, which offers vast opportunities for the oil and gas, halal and cosntruction sectors.

On his recent meeting with 20 Malaysian professionals working here, Najib expressed hope they would become mini ambassadors of Malaysia and give a true picture of the country.

“I also said they should acquire high-level skills or as many skills as possible, after which they can return to Malaysia if they feel there are opportunities for them to hone their talent in Malaysia,” he said. – Bernama