KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Britain can enhance their cooperation in technology, science and artificial intelligence (AI), says British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ailsa Terry (pic).

Both countries have much to learn from each other about these fields and she will use every opportunity to strengthen their cooperation as her country’s envoy to Malaysia.

“There are a lot of interests in these issues from both our countries. And I would want to build more cooperation in that area, which will be a priority for me,” she said in an interview during the Malaysian British Society’s Merdeka celebration event at the Royal Selangor Club here on Tuesday.

Terry was appointed High Commissioner to Malaysia last month, replacing Charles Hay.

She said that for the longer term, she would like to see increased cooperation between Britain and Malaysia in defence and security as well.

These can be achieved through upcoming engagements and conferences between leaders of both countries planned in the following years, she added.

“We obviously want to be closer in terms of climate, defence and security matters. We have a lot of visits planned, and we hope to host the visit of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to Malaysia.”

On Malaysia’s National Day, Terry said she was proud of the close and warm relations between Britain and Malaysia.

“I’m incredibly proud because Malaysia and the United Kingdom have such a very positive relationship.

“I don’t think it’s a relationship that is held back by the past. It is rooted in amazing historical moments and traditions.

“We have a lot of shared values, such as our love for sports, food and even family values. Both countries are exemplary in that respect,” she added.

Prior to her appointment as High Commissioner to Malaysia, Terry served as the director of Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office inaugural Sanctions Directorate from 2022 to 2023.

She had established the office as part of her country’s response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

She was the high commissioner to Pakistan and was posted to the European Union (EU) in Brussels as her country’s representative. Terry also served as a political adviser to the EU Special Representative to Afghanistan in 2011.