Meeting up on strategic ties: Anwar shaking hands with Greer in Putrajaya. — Photo from the Prime Minister’s Office
KUALA LUMPUR: The United States has recognised Malaysia’s success in facilitating the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, calling it a major achievement that underscored Malaysia’s credibility and Asean’s strength, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the acknowledgement was conveyed by US President Donald Trump during a telephone call yesterday.
During the conversation, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment as Asean Chair to continue playing a proactive role in safeguarding regional peace, particularly on the Cambodia–Thailand issue.
“I also conveyed my appreciation to him for the role played by the United States in helping to secure the ceasefire,” he said in a Facebook post.
Malaysia, with the support of the United States and China, acted as mediator in brokering the peace agreement that ended military conflict between Cambodia and Thailand on July 28, and later at the Extraordinary Meeting of the General Border Committee here on Aug 7 to reinforce the deal.
The Prime Minister noted that Malaysia looks forward to Trump’s participation in the upcoming Asean Summit next month, which is expected to see the attendance of several world leaders.
“President Trump’s attendance will serve as an important platform to strengthen cooperation for the sake of regional peace, stability and prosperity,” he said.
Anwar’s call with Trump came when he received a courtesy visit from US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who is in Malaysia for the 57th Asean Economic Ministers’ Meeting here. During a 30-minute meeting with Greer in Putrajaya, Anwar emphasised the importance of concluding a reciprocal tariff agreement between Malaysia and the United States.
“In this meeting, we exchanged views on strategic ties between our two countries and within Asean, especially in trade. I stressed that concluding the reciprocal tariff agreement now being negotiated will help guide policy direction and planning for the business community of both nations.
“Malaysia, as a trading nation with an open economy, has always maintained good relationships with its partners, enabling domestic economic growth,” Anwar said.
Greer also held separate discussions with Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz on the sidelines of the Asean Economic Ministers’ Meeting yesterday.
