Trump thanks Malaysia for search and rescue aid

Appreciated efforts: Trump posing with Zulkifeli (left) and Zulhasnan in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC.

PUTRAJAYA: US President Donald Trump has expressed his government’s gratitude to Malaysia for its assistance in the search and rescue efforts after the USS John S. McCain warship was involved in a collision off Johor on Monday.

This was conveyed to Malaysian ambassador to the United States Tan Sri Dr Zulhasnan Rafique and National Security Council director-general Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin in Washington on Thursday.

“President Trump expressed the United States’ gratitude for Malaysia’s efforts to recover the fallen sailors of the USS John S. McCain,” the US embassy in Malaysia said in a statement yesterday.

The embassy released a photograph of Zulhasnan and Zulkifeli with Trump in the Oval Office in the White House.

“Trump also mentioned that he looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to the White House in September,” the statement said.

Najib is expected to meet Trump at the White House – which has extended an official invitation through the Malaysian embassy in Washington – on Sept 12.

Malaysia joined in the search and rescue operation for 10 American sailors who were missing after the USS John S. McCain collided with a commercial ship on Aug 21.

The Malaysian business community is confident that Najib’s meeting with Trump will have a positive outcome for Malaysia’s economy and trade.

The American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) said the business community hoped the meeting would further strengthen ties by working towards common policy goals that would help a vibrant and competitive business environment.

“Amcham members would benefit from a 21st century trade agreement in which the US and Malaysia are members ,” said its executive director Siobhan Das.

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers hoped the meeting would see further strengthening of Malaysia’s position with the US through a bilateral trade agreement.

Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry president Tan Sri Dr Kenneth Eswaran said the Prime Minister’s approach to have a good relationship with other leaders had benefitted the country and people in many aspects.