MALAYSIA WANTS TO HAVE BETTER TIES WITH US

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia wants to have better relations
with the United States, said newly appointed Malaysian ambassador to the US Dr
Jamaludin Jarjis Thursday.

He said this desire was related to him by Prime Minister Najib Razak during
a meeting recently.

"The prime minister saw a renewal in Washington, that is a bright
opportunity, and Malaysia wants fresh relations as the leadership now is very
different from the previous leadership," he told Bernama here.

Jamaludin said since President Barack Obama took over the US administration,
he had given respect to the Islamic world and brought about a new atmospehere to
strengthen diplomatic ties.

He said in discharging his duties he needed to look at the prime minister's
direction to put forward the 1Malaysia concept throughout the length of his
service so that the people's interests were always given priority.

"Whatever my efforts in Washington must be directed to the interests of
Malaysia including economic ties with the United States," he said.

Jamaludin said this included the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that will focus
on potential for invetments, new markets as well as economic cooperation between
the two nations.

"I view the FTA as a key, a door to enhance the good relations between the
two countries.

"The prime minister wants to translate the good relations between Malaysia
and the United States into economic progress, including creating job
opportunities for our youth," he said.

In relation to that, Jamaludin said he will meet International Trade and
Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed next week to get the latest information
on investment relations between the two countries.
-- BERNAMA