US wants to boost ties with Malaysia

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PUTRAJAYA: The United States wants a productive relationship with Malaysia, a country which it regards as a progressive and moderate Islamic nation.

The Obama administration is also hoping that Malaysia can play a role in engaging other countries in inter-faith dialogues, apart from its active participation in resolving issues plaguing the world.

"Malaysia could be a good partner for the United States" JAMES STEINBERG

This was the message relayed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak by US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg when they met here yesterday morning.

“The message from the Obama administration is that they want to have a productive relationship with Malaysia. They also respect and regard us as a model nation,” Najib told reporters yesterday.

The Prime Minister also said that Steinberg had raised several issues that were of concern to the United States, including non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, weapons of mass destruction, human trafficking and terrorism and trade and investment.

“We also discussed developments in Afghanistan. The US also asked that Malaysia play our part in resolving issues such as in Iran and North Korea,” he said.

Later in Kuala Lumpur, Steinberg said the United States expressed appreciation over the Malaysia’s strong stand against North Korea’s missiles and nuclear tests.

Steinberg, who was on a two-day visit here, said Malaysia could be a good partner for the United States in view of its crucial role in key institutions including Asean, Organisation of the Islamic Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Asked about China’s Prime Minister Wen Jiabao’s plan to visit North Korea on Oct 4, Steinberg said China had sent a very clear message to North Korea on the need for it to resume de-nuclearisation.

On Iran’s secret enrichment facility, Steinberg said there was an opportunity to discuss the issue at the six-nation meeting on Oct 1.

To a question whether the US would resume Free Trade Agreement talks with Malaysia, Steinberg said the US administration was reviewing its approach on bilateral and multilateral agreements to fit into its trade strategy.

On threats of terrorism following the death of Asia’s most wanted militant Noordin Mat Top, Steinberg said his demise was reflective of growing degree of cooperation throughout the region among Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.