The United States (US) President Donald Trump left for Japan yesterday (27 October) after a one-day visit to Malaysia for the 47th ASEAN Summit, where he concluded trade negotiations and witnessed the signing of the Cambodia-Thailand Peace Agreement.
As reported earlier, Trump shared on social media shortly before departing Malaysia, calling the country and his visit “great and vibrant“.
“The President was glad the world got to see how amazing Malaysia is”
Following this, the US Ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D. Kagan, shared his thoughts and praised Malaysia for the warm welcome and hospitality shown to Trump, saying the visit marked a new chapter in Malaysia-US relations.
Speaking at a press conference today (28 October), Kagan said Trump was impressed by Malaysia, noting that both countries are strengthening ties in several key areas, especially through the US-Malaysia Reciprocal Trade Agreement, which benefits both sides.
He added that Trump was fascinated by what he saw during his visit to Kuala Lumpur for the first day of the 47th ASEAN Summit.
“The most important thing is that we’re now taking our relationship to the next level. One thing the President mentioned to the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) before leaving was how happy he was that the whole world got to see how amazing Malaysia is,” Kagan said.
“There’s still a strong bond between the US and Malaysia”
During the trip, President Trump and Prime Minister Anwar, in his role as ASEAN Chair, witnessed the signing of the KL Peace Agreement by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, officially ending the conflict between the two neighbouring countries.
The border dispute had flared into military clashes on July 24 before Malaysia stepped in to broker a ceasefire four days later.
Kagan said the visit proved that Malaysia is not just a great place to visit but also a strong and reliable partner to the United States.
He then praised both leaders for their courage and determination to do what was right “for their people, their economies, and the region.”
“I think it shows that even though we haven’t always seen eye to eye in recent years, there’s still a strong bond between the US and Malaysia,” he said.
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