Broadening and Deepening the U.S.-Malaysia Bilateral Relationship

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg talks to reporters in Kuala Lumpur. © AP Images

Just after many of the world’s leaders were in New York at the United Nations General Assembly and in Pittsburg at the G-20 Summit, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James B. Steinberg visited Kuala Lumpur for two days this week to meet with Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, a Vice Foreign Minister and the Defense Minister.  His visit and meetings are a reflection of the growing broad-based relationship between the United States and Malaysia.

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak meets with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg. © Bernama

 His trip reflected  the priority that President Obama and Secretary Clinton have placed on deepening U.S. ties to Southeast Asia and to the countries of ASEAN.Some of the issues of mutual interest that were touched on in this week’s meetings included the state of the global economy and the economy here in Malaysia, non-proliferation and export control, global climate change and the role that we can all play leading up to the Copenhagen Summit, and combating human trafficking.    

The delegation had an interesting discussion with a number of representatives from the various political parties and civil society in Malaysia.  This is an important part of our engagement, to talk not only with senior government officials but also with a broad range of Malaysian citizens involved in key social and political issues.  Our engagement also reflects the pluralist nature of Malaysia, which offers the chance for U.S. officials to compare notes with and learn from Malaysian civil society leaders.

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