KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 -- "There are significant opportunities for the new governments of Malaysia and the United States to advance their relationship based on mutual respect and mutual benefits," US Ambassador to Malaysia James R. Keith said.
"President (Barack) Obama welcomes the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's) desire to work more closely with the United States," Keith said.
The 20-minute telephone conversation between Najib and Obama last month has been described as a new milestone in political and economic relations between the two countries by an analyst, Ahmad Ikram Abdullah, a fellow at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS).
"We already enjoy a strong foundation for cooperation and are looking for tangible ways to expand our shared agenda in areas ranging from export control and global non-proliferation to managing the threat from pirates in the Gulf of Aden to dealing with the effects of the global economic crisis," the ambassador told Bernama here tFriday.
Keith said this when asked to share his thoughts on Najib's 100 days of administration.
Najib assumed office on April 3 this year, taking over Malaysia's top job.
Despite the challenges, the path is all set for the son of Malaysia's second Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, to navigate the nation to greater heights.
The recently announced economic liberalisation measures are indication of his stewardship.
Najib, who is also the Finance Minister, took over the helm at a highly challenging time when the economy was turning towards recession, with exports and manufacturing both badly hurt by a slowdown in the global economy.
The present economic difficulties need a steady hand in Najib to pull the nation through turbulent times.
Malaysia and the United States share a diverse and expanding partnership. Economic ties are robust. The United States is Malaysia's largest trading partner while Malaysia is the 18th largest trading partner currently for the United States. Total trade between them was US$43.7 billion in 2008.
The United States' trade deficit with Malaysia was US$17.8 billion in 2008. The country is also the largest foreign investor in Malaysia on a cumulative basis. American companies are particularly active in the energy, electronics, and manufacturing sectors.
-- BERNAMA
No comments:
Post a Comment