UK Minister Celebrates Commonwealth Day in Malaysia, Praises Strength and Unity
Catherine West, UK Minister for Indo-Pacific, praised Malaysia at Commonwealth Day, emphasizing unity, cooperation, and resilience among Commonwealth nations in addressing global challenges. Discussions focused on economic growth, security, and climate change, alongside honoring female leaders and the contributions of the Commonwealth in World War II. The event, themed “Together We Thrive,” fostered collaboration for a harmonious future.
On March 11, during a celebration of Commonwealth Observance Day at the Commonwealth House in Kuala Lumpur, UK Minister for Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, expressed admiration for Malaysia’s strength within the Commonwealth. She commended the nation’s natural beauty and warmth, while underscoring the importance of fruitful discussions held with Malaysian government representatives regarding shared goals such as economic growth, security, and climate change.
Catherine West mentioned her first visit to Malaysia coincided with International Women’s Day, where she engaged with inspiring female leaders to discuss ways to dismantle barriers to progress. She highlighted the resilience of the Commonwealth in promoting unity among its member nations amid global challenges, notably those relating to economic growth, inequality, youth unemployment, and democracy.
In her address, West urged for the restoration of planetary harmony for future generations. She expressed hope for the Commonwealth’s ongoing commitment to this mission, acknowledging the new secretary-general, Shirley Botchwey of Ghana, for her dedication to fostering resilience among member states.
West read a message from King Charles III, emphasizing the Commonwealth as a trusted forum for diverse nations to stand together. The King’s message honored Commonwealth contributions during World War II and advocated for ongoing cooperation on issues such as peace, human rights, and environmental restoration, reiterating the need to restore harmony for future generations’ sake.
The event, themed “Together We Thrive,” saw participation from Deputy Secretary-General of the Foreign Ministry, Datuk Ahmad Rozian Abd Ghani, and other prominent figures from Commonwealth nations. The gathering reinforced the importance of collaboration and mutual support in addressing global challenges.
In conclusion, UK Minister Catherine West’s remarks during Commonwealth Day highlighted Malaysia’s significant role in the Commonwealth and emphasized the collective efforts necessary to address pressing global issues. Her recognition of inspiring female leaders and her engagement with Commonwealth themes reinforces a commitment to unity and cooperation among member nations. The event served not only as a celebration of shared history but also as a call for action towards a harmonious future for the next generation.
Original Source: bernama.com
