JAKARTA: Deeper economic cooperation through trade, an investment framework agreement and expanded economic engagement are needed between Malaysia and the United Sta, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at the 11th Asean-US Summit, Anwar welcomed the continuous cooperation between the two countries, including via the Asean-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“We welcome US vice-president Kamala Harris, and her appearance is significant to ensuring the principle of centrality of Asean.
“This is exceptionally critical for countries committed to the principles of democracy and accountability in the region,” said Anwar in his speech at the summit, held in conjunction with the 43rd Asean Summit and other related summits here yesterday.
While Harris has been in the region several times since assuming office, this was her first time in Indonesia.
Anwar added that Malaysia needed support for foreign direct investments, internationalising Malaysia’s micro, small and medium entrepreneurs, green growth for climate sustainability, and efficient use of land to ensure food security.
On digitalisation, Anwar encouraged the United States to partner with Asean towards advancing the digital transformation of the region.
These include improving digital infrastructure connectivity and inclusion, as well as 5G connectivity and digital data policy and regulations, added Anwar.
On energy, Anwar said Asean was positioning itself to produce 23% of primary energy from renewables by 2025 and would appreciate any form of support from the United States.
With regard to people-to-people linkages, Anwar said there are a large number of Malaysian students in the United States, and Malaysia will continue to support this venture.
“We believe that one of the initiatives is volunteerism to connect our citizens to promote greater understanding and acceptance of others. Including, as I alluded to earlier, the principle of democratic accountability. We also welcome the establishment of the Asean-US Centre in Washington, DC,” he said.
Earlier, Harris announced the establishment of a new US-Asean Centre in Washington.
She also said that the United States would continue to press strife-torn Myanmar to foster a path to democracy.
Anwar had earlier met with Asean Dialogue Partners, namely China, Japan, South Korea, the United States and Canada.
During his meeting with Japan and South Korea, Anwar said that Malaysia was seeking to boost cooperation in the fields of sustainable and green technologies as part of the initiative to address the issue of climate change.
The Prime Minister and other Asean leaders also attended a dinner on Wednesday night in conjunction with the Summit.
