KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and the United States enjoy cordial bilateral relations, as well as close cooperation in various fields, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the ministry is of the view that strong bilateral ties between the two countries have remained strong under past US presidents.
"Relations were enhanced to the level of Comprehensive Partnership in 2014 in various areas, such as politics, the economy, security and defence, among others," he said in response to a question by Tan Sri Annuar Musa (BN-Ketereh).
Annuar had asked Reezal (BN-Kepala Batas) to state the government's stand on new US president Donald Trump's protectionist policies, and how far they may impact the country's economy.
Reezal went on to state that the US was Malaysia’s third largest trade partner in 2015, and between Jan and Nov last year, bilateral trade was at US$30.01 billion.
"The US is also Malaysia's second-largest investor, with investments worth US$28.35 billion.
"In this regard, Malaysia believes that under the new leadership, close ties and cooperation in various fields with joint interests will be continued and further increased from time to time," Reezal added.