US AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE VOWS TO BRING TIES TO GREATER LEVEL

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- United States ambassador-designate to
Malaysia Paul W. Jones has vowed to bring the US-Malaysia ties a stronger level.

Jones, who reported duty at his office here Tuesday, said US President
Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had encouraged him "to
harmonise the relations by having conversations and engagements with all
parties."

"I'm looking forward to presenting my credentials to the King (Yang
di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin) and speaking with the Malaysian
government on what we can do together.

"One of the things I certainly want to do is making sure our conversation or
engagement with the people of Malaysia is very broad so that we can build more
understanding on some of issues," he told a press conference at the US Embassy,
here Tuesday.

Jones said he was also eager to meet American business leaders and companies
in Malaysia to deepen the economic relations and to explore new potential
opportunities.

Jones highlighted that ties between Malaysia and the US had been very good
for some time.

"Trade should continue and be strengthened as it creates more jobs,
investments and entrepreneurs and it also coordinates to a better cooperation in
many sections including science and technology," he added.

Jones was sworn in by Secretary Clinton recently. His nomination was
proposed by President Obama on July 12 and confirmed by the US Senate on Aug 5.

He has served in a variety of challenging assignments in Asia, Europe and
Latin America.

His most recent position was as the Deputy Special Representative for
Afghanistan and Pakistan and concurrently, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of
State.
-- BERNAMA