Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (Photo: thestar.com.my) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Malaysia and the US plan to enhance cooperation in a range of fields, including the fight against the growing threat of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) in Southeast Asia.
In a joint statement issued following the talks between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and US President Donald Trump at the White House on September 13, the two leaders noted Malaysia's pledge of 1 million USD for humanitarian assistance in areas liberated from IS.
While pledging to strengthen bilateral defense ties, the two leaders underscored the importance of expanding cooperation in priority areas, including maritime security, counter-terrorism and information sharing between their defence and security forces.
They also committed to pursue additional opportunities for joint exercises and training, according to the statement.
President Trump welcomed Malaysia's intent to make an additional 60 million USD in defence procurement from the US.
Regarding the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the two leaders affirmed their support for common efforts to develop a rules-based ASEAN Community, and to maintaining the centrality of the 10-member grouping in the evolving regional architecture.
PM Najib paid a three-day working visit from September 11 at the invitation of President Trump as the two countries are celebrating the 60th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.-VNA
VNA
