FOREIGN DIPLOMATS LOOK FORWARD TO WORK WITH NAJIB'S ADMINISTRATION By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah

KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 (Bernama) -- Foreign diplomats are looking forward to work closely and further strengthen bilateral and economic ties with Malaysia under the new administration of Prime Minister Najib Razak.

The United States is looking forward to work with the new leadership to
further enhance existing bilateral ties between the two countries.

Its Ambassador to Malaysia James R. Keith said the US and Malaysia enjoyed
productive and cooperative relations based on enduring shared national
interests.

"As Malaysia proceeds with its political transition, we look forward to
working with the new Malaysian leadership and with the people of Malaysia to
realise the full potential of our strong and developing bilateral ties," he told
Bernama in congratulating Najib on his appointment as Malaysia's sixth prime
minister.

Keith said there was tremendous potential for US-Malaysia relations to grow,
both politically and economically.

"Relations between both countries have been strong. It has been for some
time that we have terrific areas of cooperation and common interests," he said.

Najib, who is the eldest son of Malaysia's second prime minister Abdul Razak
Hussein was sworn in as the prime minister before the Malaysian King Tuanku
Mizan Zainal Abidin, at the National Palace Friday morning.

Later in Putrajaya, outgoing Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi officially
handed over power to Najib at the prime minister's office.

Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Malaysia
Vincent Picket said that as the executive arm of the European Union (EU), "we
hope to continue enhancing our existing ties with Malaysia."

"We will continue to have dialogues with Malaysia as we have successfully
done in the past to reinforce our alliance to promote political and trade
relations for the mutual benefit of our people.

"We are convinced close and trusting cooperation between Malaysia and
the EU will help us meet challenges posed by the current economic situation
and also take advantage of the opportunities available in our economies,"
Picket said.

Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Masahiko Horie said Japan and Malaysia
enjoyed very strong bilateral ties over half a century since Malaysia attained
independence.

"The relations were strengthened by the "Look East" policy initiated by
former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) and continued by his successor
Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi).

"I'm sure this lasting friendship between Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo
will develop further under the new leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib
(Razak)," he said.

Horie said: "Our far-reaching ties and partnership are not only in the
economic field but also in human resource development, environment and
education. Both countries have agreed to establish Malaysia-Japan International
University of Technology.

"We also work closely to combat piracy in the Straits of Melaka and
terrorism as well as participate in peace-keeping missions in the region and
other parts of the world," he added.

The Netherlands Ambassador to Malaysia, Lody Embrechts, said: "I believe
the new prime minister will continue the relations that lead to a more inclusive
society, more transparency and accountability.

"After all this is what the Malaysian people asked for in the last general
election. I sincerely hope the new leadership will be able to steer the
country through the global economic uncertainties," he added.
-- BERNAMA