United States Defence Secretary Robert Gates yesterday praised Malaysia for playing an effective and important role in international security.
"Malaysia has played an important role not only in terms of protecting its own security but also in helping protect the Straits of Malacca against piracy and terrorism," he said after calling on Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on the sidelines of the 7th IISS Asia Security Summit here.
02 June 2008: New Straits Times
SINGAPORE: United States Defence Secretary Robert Gates yesterday praised Malaysia for playing an effective and important role in international security.
"Malaysia has played an important role not only in terms of protecting its own security but also in helping protect the Straits of Malacca against piracy and terrorism," he said after calling on Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on the sidelines of the 7th IISS Asia Security Summit here.
"We talked about military-to-military relations, which is good. We talked about opportunities to enhance those relations.
"We also talked about prior preparations for humanitarian relief so we might be better organised regionally, including countries like the United States, in relief disasters," he said.
Najib, who is also defence minister, echoed Gates' remarks on the state of bilateral relations between the two countries.
He said they discussed security developments in Southeast Asia, including the southern Philippines and maritime security.
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