Ties between the United States and Malaysia are not likely to see drastic changes following the results of the American presidential election, says the US Embassy here.

Its charge d’affaires Edgard Kagan said while he could not guarantee that there would be no changes in US foreign policy, “drastic changes” were not likely.

“I cannot say that there will be no policy changes in the future because that will be up to the new president and the policy teams.

“There will be twists and turns and some changes may happen as a result of the new team that will take office but the fundamentals are unlikely to change,” he told reporters at the 2016 US Presidential Election watch party here yesterday.

US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur deputy chief of mission Edgard Kagan announcing the participation of the US embassy at the upcoming MATTA fair, for the second year in a row.

Kagan said although the relationship between Malaysia and the US would be driven by many factors, there was a great level of depth and breadth to the ties forged so far.

“I’m confident that the new president will also come to the conclusion that bilateral relationship with Malaysia and US engagement with South-East Asia is very much in our interests,” he said.

On US’ ties with Asean, Malaysian Association for American Studies president Prof Dr K.S. Nathan said Trump’s advisers would likely encourage him to protect the country’s interest and influence in the region built up under the Obama administration.

These include the comprehensive partnership with Malaysia in 2014 and the strategic partnership with Asean in 2015.

“America will not become isolationist under Trump,” he said, adding that it was in US’ best interest to remain politically, economically and strategically engaged in the region.

“A Trump presidency cannot ignore this strategic reality, given the rising influence and engagement of other major powers in Asia, especially China,” said Nathan.US: Ties With Malaysia Will More Or Less Be The Same

KUALA LUMPUR: Ties between the United States and Malaysia are not likely to see drastic changes following the results of the American presidential election, says the US Embassy here.

Its charge d’affaires Edgard Kagan said while he could not guarantee that there would be no changes in US foreign policy, “drastic changes” were not likely.

“I cannot say that there will be no policy changes in the future because that will be up to the new president and the policy teams.

“There will be twists and turns and some changes may happen as a result of the new team that will take office but the fundamentals are unlikely to change,” he told reporters at the 2016 US Presidential Election watch party here yesterday.

US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur deputy chief of mission Edgard Kagan announcing the participation of the US embassy at the upcoming MATTA fair, for the second year in a row.

There will be changes due to the new team but the fundamentals are unlikely to change. - Edgard Kagan

Kagan said although the relationship between Malaysia and the US would be driven by many factors, there was a great level of depth and breadth to the ties forged so far.

“I’m confident that the new president will also come to the conclusion that bilateral relationship with Malaysia and US engagement with South-East Asia is very much in our interests,” he said.

On US’ ties with Asean, Malaysian Association for American Studies president Prof Dr K.S. Nathan said Trump’s advisers would likely encourage him to protect the country’s interest and influence in the region built up under the Obama administration.

These include the comprehensive partnership with Malaysia in 2014 and the strategic partnership with Asean in 2015.

“America will not become isolationist under Trump,” he said, adding that it was in US’ best interest to remain politically, economically and strategically engaged in the region.

“A Trump presidency cannot ignore this strategic reality, given the rising influence and engagement of other major powers in Asia, especially China,” said Nathan.

Source:
courtesy of THE STAR

by The Star Online

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