KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and United States President Donald Trump have signed an agreement to elevate bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
This historic move recognises the growing strategic and multifaceted cooperation between Malaysia and the United States.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this elevation marks a historic advancement in relations built upon diplomatic engagement since 1957.
The partnership was formalised as a Comprehensive Partnership in 2014 before this latest upgrade.
Wisma Putra described the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as a testament to enduring cooperation across multiple strategic areas.
Key cooperation areas include trade and investment, advanced technology, defence and security, and energy security.
The partnership also focuses on regional peace and stability alongside strengthening people-to-people ties.
The agreement was signed during bilateral meetings between both leaders on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
This Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will further solidify Malaysia’s role as a vital and trusted partner of the United States in the Asia Pacific.
The United States ranks among Malaysia’s largest trading partners and most prominent investors.
Total trade between the two nations reached RM324.91 billion (USD71.39 billion) in 2024.
Both leaders reflected on the historic nature of this inaugural meeting during President Trump’s official visit to Malaysia.
The visit occurs in conjunction with the 13th ASEAN-United States Summit and the 20th East Asia Summit.
Malaysia serves as President Trump’s first stop on his three-country swing across Asia.
His itinerary also includes official visits to South Korea and Japan following his engagements in Malaysia. – Bernama
