This was one of the issues discussed between foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein and British foreign secretary Dominic Raab in a telephone conversation yesterday.

In a statement today, Wisma Putra said the collaboration includes reciprocal vaccination arrangement for both nationals covering diplomats, students and expatriates, reciprocal travel bubble, and guaranteed access to UK manufactured vaccines for Malaysia.

“Both ministers agreed that it is imperative to resume face-to-face discussions and intensify cooperation in the post-Covid-19 era,” the statement read.

Hishammuddin also reiterated Malaysia’s strong support for the UK’s application for Asean Dialogue Partnership, considering the country’s substantive linkages and prospective contributions to Asean Community-building.

The ministers also exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar, and Raab expressed his support for the initiative by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei to convene an informal Asean ministerial meeting next week.

On the hosting of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) this year by the UK, Wisma Putra said both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris agreement on climate change.

Hishammuddin also welcomed Raab’s move to undertake a visit to Malaysia this year to maintain continuous engagement and further strengthen the long-standing relations between the two countries, it added.