Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sat down with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and got some relief about those nasty new tariffs. America slapped Malaysia with a brutal 25 percent tax on goods that kicks in August 1st. Anwar brought up the trade punishments during their chat and Rubio backed down a bit. The American official said Malaysia still has one month to cut a deal before the tariffs hit. Rubio admitted Malaysia remains America's biggest trading buddy in Southeast Asia and promised to consider their concerns.
The two leaders spent most of their time talking about ASEAN and regional cooperation. Rubio stressed that America still wants strong ties with Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries. The US Secretary of State understands Malaysia wants to keep good relationships with everyone including China. Anwar made it clear Malaysia refuses to pick sides between America and China in their trade war. The Prime Minister said Malaysia will keep doing business with all countries that benefit Malaysian citizens.
Malaysia currently runs ASEAN which includes 10 member countries across the region. The country hosts the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting from July 8th through 11th. Rubio flew into Malaysia as part of the American delegation for these important regional talks. Officials expected the Secretary of State to meet with top Malaysian leaders including Anwar. The meetings focus on maintaining cooperation between America and Southeast Asian nations despite growing global tensions.
The two leaders spent most of their time talking about ASEAN and regional cooperation. Rubio stressed that America still wants strong ties with Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries. The US Secretary of State understands Malaysia wants to keep good relationships with everyone including China. Anwar made it clear Malaysia refuses to pick sides between America and China in their trade war. The Prime Minister said Malaysia will keep doing business with all countries that benefit Malaysian citizens.
Malaysia currently runs ASEAN which includes 10 member countries across the region. The country hosts the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting from July 8th through 11th. Rubio flew into Malaysia as part of the American delegation for these important regional talks. Officials expected the Secretary of State to meet with top Malaysian leaders including Anwar. The meetings focus on maintaining cooperation between America and Southeast Asian nations despite growing global tensions.
