‘Najib’s White House visit benefits both Washington, Kuala Lumpur’

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s recent visit to the United States and the White House has proven to be a win-win proposition for both sides, according to a former US presidential aide.

Ned Ryun, former presidential writer for President George W. Bush, said only US President Donald Trump and his foreign policy advisers seemed to understand the importance of working with an influential, duly elected regional leader on a broader agenda important strategically to both the US and Malaysia, and other allies in the region.

“Rather than coddling tinpot dictators and terrorists at the White House, we have an administration that is willing to work with leaders who are willing to work with the United States, reach mutually beneficial agreements,” he said in an article which appeared in American Greatness, a US media outlet.

The piece, titled ‘ Trump’s Malaysia gambit: Call it another win’, was accompanied by a picture of a smiling Najib and Trump taken at the White House on Sept 12 during the Malaysian prime minister’s visit to Washington, DC.

Ryun reckoned that the Trump Administration had two goals with Malaysia – solidify Washington- Kuala Lumpur friendship and reinforce the critical role Malaysia could play in the region as a key strategic partner of the US.

“For his part, Najib came to Washington hoping to strengthen Malaysia’s economic and strategic partnerships with the United States, and left having achieved both,’’ he said.

The Najib visit, he said, resulted in billions of dollars in terms of business and investment with US entities.

He noted that Trump and Najib also committed to working on a trade deal that would be an economic boon to both nations. — Bernama