Malaysia and US Elevate Bilateral Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- In a historic move, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and United States President Donald Trump signed a deal to elevate bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in recognition of growing strategic and multifaceted cooperation between Putrajaya and Washington.

“The elevation of partnership marks a historic advancement in the relations between the two countries, built upon a foundation of diplomatic engagement forged since 1957 and formalised as a Comprehensive Partnership in 2014,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

“The CSP is a testament to the enduring depth of cooperation across strategic areas, particularly in trade and investment, advanced technology, defence and security, energy security, regional peace and stability, and people-to-people ties,” said Wisma Putra after bilateral meetings between both leaders on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here, Sunday.

The CSP will further solidify Malaysia’s role as a vital and trusted partner of the United States in the Asia Pacific.

The US is among Malaysia’s largest trading partners and most prominent investors. Total trade between the two nations was valued at RM324.91 billion (USD71.39 billion) in 2024.

According to the ministry, both leaders reflected on the historic nature of this inaugural meeting during the US President’s official visit to Malaysia in conjunction with the 13th ASEAN-United States Summit and the 20th East Asia Summit.

Malaysia is Trump’s first stop on his three-country swing across Asia, which will also include South Korea and Japan.

-- BERNAMA