Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Before Their Meeting – United States Department of State

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, Prime Minister, it’s so good to see you, and thank you so much for taking the time to meet.  We have, between the United States and Malaysia, a strong partnership, a comprehensive partnership, going back a decade now, and I think as well a commitment to work to build it even stronger and to work to deliver for our people, which is our responsibility – whether it’s on inclusive economic growth, whether it’s on relevant security issues, people-to-people ties, which are essential, all of this is critical.  And of course, we very much support Malaysia as it assumes its chairmanship of ASEAN.

And I’d just note that one of the things I’m proudest of is the fact that the United States is the leading provider of foreign direct investment in Malaysia.  I think this is a tremendous sign of both trust and confidence, because the investments don’t happen unless there’s tremendous confidence in the country.  And that also produces jobs, it produces opportunity, and it’s something that I think we can take – we take pride in.

But in any event, Prime Minister, so good to see you.

PRIME MINISTER IBRAHIM:  No, thank you, Secretary Blinken.  This is our pleasure and honor too, because – you mentioned investment, and it’s not – well, it’s not just the last 10 years.  The initial investments within the area, in the north, Penang –

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Yes.

PRIME MINISTER IBRAHIM:  – that now makes it like a major hub for semiconductor.  The ecosystem, the supply side has been there for the last few decades, and then mainly U.S. investments.  And now I think we’re able to attract huge investments, and I think the region is a hub of success that we share with our neighbors in many ways.  And so I want to extend our thanks to your administration – in fact, past administrations too, even that period when I was inside.  (Laughter.)  You’re consistently very supportive.  So I think I look forward to this discussion.  Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.