KUALA LUMPUR: The outcome of the US Presidential Election will not alter the country's commitment and policies towards the Indo-Pacific region, according to US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan.
Kagan highlighted that the US and Malaysia have maintained 65 years of diplomatic relations, which will remain strong regardless of the party leading the White House.
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"The US has a deep and bipartisan commitment to the Indo-Pacific. We recognise the importance of this region and we also recognise that we need strong ties with key partners in the region.
"If you look at the amount of trade, it is very clear that regardless of who is in the White House, they will have a deep commitment to the Indo-Pacific and some of the key drivers of our policies are not going to change," Kagan said at the US Election Watch event at a hotel on Wednesday (Nov 8) morning.
Kagan also expressed optimism about the growth of US-Malaysia relations in the future.
"I think the fact that US investments have not just created jobs but also opportunities for Malaysians... That’s what's going to matter, as we go forward," added Kagan.
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The US is one of the largest foreign investors in Malaysia, with direct investments totalling US$21.53bil last year.
Meanwhile, Kagan declined to comment on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks that he recently rejected a call by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to stop being friendly with Russia.
"Obviously, there are reasons why the press is asked to leave the room when there are meetings, so that we can have candid discussions.
"So, I don’t want to discuss those aspects," said Kagan.
Kagan stated that the US recognises Malaysia as a sovereign state with its rights to conduct its diplomatic relations as it sees fit.
"So does the US and the US will take all appropriate and necessary measures to ensure that all US interests are protected and I’m confident that within these constraints, we can find ways to work together," added Kagan.
At a meeting with students at the National Defence University (UPNM) last week, Anwar revealed that he recently rejected a call by Blinken to stop being friendly with Russia during the Asean Summits in Vientiane, Laos, last month.
The closely watched US Presidential election is expected to conclude on Wednesday (Nov 6) afternoon.
