They were Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Sajid Javid (a UK government Cabinet member) and the newly-elected Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

Both had made it big on the political scene in the UK with Sadiq’s victory to become London Mayor prompting Sajid to congratulate him with that famous phrase, “One son of a Pakistani bus driver to another”.

The brief presence of a radiant-looking Sadiq, who took time from his busy schedule to be at the 22nd floor office at the Shard to address the event, was a good indicator of fruitful relations ahead.

When approached by reporters on his appointment, Sadiq, who is the first-ever Muslim London mayor, said he was proud to be appointed the mayor and was looking forward to forge relations between Malaysia and London.

Uttering, “Selamat Datang”, he said it was a great pleasure to welcome Khazanah to London and was looking forward to working together with the sovereign fund.

“We are in London, the greatest city in the world. We thank the PM’s generosity to invest here in what is a global city,” said Sadiq, looking forward to do trade, business and invest in Malaysia.

Sajid, who was previously based in Singapore, said he had spent plenty of time in the country across the Causeway.

He described Malaysia as a nation on the rise with its upward economy and that Khazanah was far more than just a link with growing Malaysian investments here.

He said there was more to UK than London and that the UK Trade and Investment Department would be on hand to help Malaysians with their businesses.

He ended his speech with “Selamat Datang ke London”.

– BERNAMA