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Published: Sunday November 15, 2009 MYT 9:58:00 PM

APEC: Obama is all for better ties, says Najib

By NELSON BENJAMIN


SINGAPORE: United States President Barack Obama’s willingness to engage with Asean leaders augurs well for ties between the US and the 10-member grouping, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

Najib, who described Obama’s presence at the Asean-US leaders meeting as historic and meaningful, said Obama wanted to forge a better relationship through various collaborations, including economic integration, increased trade investment and technology.

The Prime Minister was speaking after attending the Asean-US meeting held after the Apec leaders meeting here Sunday.

Other areas of collaboration would include specific assistance in the field of education by providing more English teachers, greater participation for youths and also in the redevelopment of the peace corps programme, Najib said.

Obama also acknowledged Malaysia’s active participation in regional peace and security, he added.

On the outcome of the Apec meeting, Najib added that the Economic Leaders Meeting had come up with concrete and strong initiatives to revive the world economy.

Asked whether Obama would continue with the same free-trade policies as his predecessor, Najib said proposing the Trans-Pacific Partnership meant the president was an advocate of free and open trade with greater regional interaction.

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