BRITAIN is seeking Malaysia’s help to keep its trade relations with Asean due its impending exit from the European Union.

Theresa May conveyed this to her counterpart Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad during their 40-minute bilateral meeting yesterday.

It was one of three that Dr Mahathir had so far held on the sidelines of the United Nations general assembly. The others were with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.

Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said May conveyed to Dr Mahathir Britain’s desire to continue ties with Asean.

“This was because the UK’s relations with Asean has been through its position as a member of the European Union.

“Following their decision to no longer be with the EU, they wish for some form of cooperation between them and Asean,” he said.

In response, Dr Mahathir told May that the matter would need to be discussed first with Asean member countries before any decision could be made.

Saifuddin said Malaysia, on its part, raised ways in which Britain could help boost cooperation, especially over Europe’s reluctance to accept Malaysian palm oil.

On Dr Mahathir’s meeting with the Iranian president, Saifuddin said Rouhani asked for Malaysia’s understanding and support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran nuclear deal.

He said the matter was becoming more complex due to unilateral action by the United States, which might impose more sanctions on Iran due to its nuclear programme.

The Foreign Minster said Malaysia was sympathetic to the problem faced by Iran, as it affected Malaysian companies operating there, specifically Petronas.

At the same time, Dr Mahathir asked for Iran’s cooperation relating to assistance and facilitation to Malaysian companies investing in the country.

On Dr Mahathir’s bilateral meeting with Maithripala, Saifuddin said both leaders exchanged views on developing the economies of both countries.