The new United States Ambassador to Malaysia Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir today called on Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at his office here.
They discussed, among others, Malaysia's initiative in addressing human trafficking, developments in Malaysia's participation in the United States Visa Waiver Programme, threats to regional and global security and migration issues, according to a statement released by Ahmad Zahid.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said in the statement that Malaysia had taken drastic measures to increase the number of convictions for human trafficking, with 403 cases brought to court last year compared to 91 last year and seven in 2015.
He said one important measure was the setting up of a Special Task Force to address the crime with the cooperation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Bangkok as well as with the United States.
Ahmad Zahid said the diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the United States, established in 1957, covered cooperation in various fields including trade, investment, defence, security, education, science and technology, and agriculture.
"Bilateral relations which were strengthened during the previous US administration under President Barack Obama should be enhanced under the new administration of President Donald Trump who took office on Jan 20," he said.
In the field of security, Ahmad Zahid said, the two countries had signed a memorandum of understanding to address cross-border crimes, which included the Memorandum on Immigration Cooperation.
Besides, he said, two agreements had also been signed, on exchange of information on the list of terrorists and suspected terrorists and on combating serious crimes.
Lakhdhir, who assumed her post as ambassador to Malaysia on Jan 5, takes over from Joseph Yun whose tour of duty ended in October last year.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Jan 27 2017
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (R) welcoming the newly appointed US Ambassador to Malaysia ambassador, Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir (R) at his office in Putrajaya. - Astro AWANI pic / SHAHIR OMAR
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.