KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will continue to take proactive steps to ensure the country’s economic and trade interests remain strong on the global stage, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry explained that these efforts include strengthening diplomatic relations with the United States (US) to ensure continuous dialogue that allows for the open and constructive resolution of trade issues, including potential tariff increases, to protect the country's interests and ensure the sustainability of economic growth.
"Malaysia will also take strategic steps to enhance cooperation with the administration of President Donald Trump to explore new collaboration opportunities that can further increase bilateral trade for mutual benefit," the ministry said in a written response on the parliament's website today.
The ministry further stated that Malaysia will ensure that its relationships with other major powers remain balanced and pragmatic, without taking sides, to protect the nation's economic interests and sovereignty.
The ministry was responding to a question by William Leong Jee Keen (PH-Selayang) regarding the government's strategy to navigate President Trump's "zero-sum politics" as ASEAN Chair in 2025.
The US is one of Malaysia's key strategic partners, being the third largest trading partner and a major contributor of foreign direct investment in various sectors.
From January to November 2024, trade between Malaysia and the US increased by 29.5 per cent to RM293.92 billion (US$64.44 billion) compared to RM226.96 billion (US$49.82 billion) during the same period in 2023.
Meanwhile, the ministry said ASEAN will continue working with all its dialogue partners to build and strengthen the ASEAN Community, ensuring that the Southeast Asian region remains peaceful and stable, where development progress and economic growth can continue for the prosperity and well-being of the people of Malaysia and ASEAN.
-- BERNAMA
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