US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said Malaysia had proven its capability in safeguarding the Straits of Malacca and its fight against piracy and terrorism.
He said US-Malaysia relations, especially between their military, were good and they were looking into new opportunities to further enhance their military cooperation, he told a media conference on the sidelines of the 7th International Institute for Strategic Studies and Asia Security Summit - The Shangri-La Dialogue here.
01 June 2008: Bernama
By Zakaria Abdul Wahab
SINGAPORE, June 1 (Bernama) -- The United States Sunday praised Malaysia for playing an effective and important role in international security.
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said Malaysia had proven its capability in safeguarding the Straits of Malacca and its fight against piracy and terrorism.
He said US-Malaysia relations, especially between their military, were good and they were looking into new opportunities to further enhance their military cooperation, he told a media conference on the sidelines of the 7th International Institute for Strategic Studies and Asia Security Summit - The Shangri-La Dialogue here.
Earlier, he called on Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who is here to participate in the dialogue.
Gates said he and Najib discussed on how both countries could make prior preparations for humanitarian relief efforts especially on how it could be better organised regionally, with the US effectively playing its part.
Najib echoed Gates remarks on the state of bilateral relations enjoyed now by the two countries, adding that Malaysia would look for ways and means to further the relations especially in ensuring regional peace and security.
He said they also discussed security developments in the Southeast Asian region including in southern Philippines and maritime security.
Najib and Gates also touched on issues developing in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
-- BERNAMA
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