KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and the United States (US) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, security, defence and other areas of mutual interest, says Wisma Putra.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan held a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings here on Thursday (July 10).
According to the ministry, both sides recognised the significant potential for expanding collaboration into new and emerging areas that could bring tangible benefits to the people of both nations.
"Both sides also reflected on the longstanding relations between Malaysia and the United States, built over decades on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and shared interests.
"They exchanged views on regional and international developments of common concern and looked forward to continuing close and constructive engagement in the years ahead," said the ministry.
Earlier, both sides also held a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing on Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation, marking a key milestone in US support for Malaysia's efforts to strengthen its capabilities in the nuclear energy sector.
The MOU paves the way for cooperation in technical expertise, regulatory development, human capital training and the use of nuclear technology in sectors like agriculture, industry and healthcare.
The ongoing 58th AMM and Related Meetings are being held under Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship 2025 with the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability".
Over 1,500 delegates from Asean member states and the regional bloc's external partners are participating in 24 ministerial-level meetings spanning four days.
Malaysia was Secretary Rubio's first and only stop on his inaugural trip to Asia, underscoring the importance of Malaysia-United States relations, said the ministry. - Bernama
