PUTRAJAYA, March 23 (Bernama) -- The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato’ Sri Anifah Hj. Aman, met with the Secretary of State of the United States, Rex Tillerson, at the Department of State, Washington D.C. on 21 March 2017.

Dato’ Sri Anifah Hj. Aman, who is on a working visit to attend the Meeting of the Ministers of the Global Coalition on the Defeat of ISIS, discussed with Secretary Tillerson, issues of mutual benefit. Among others, both exchanged views on the current developments in South China Sea, developments in the ASEAN region including the role Malaysia could play as country coordinator for ASEAN-US dialogue relations, the recent situation in the Korean Peninsula, the commitment to increase bilateral trade and investment, as well as efforts to counter and eliminate terrorism. Dato’ Sri Anifah Hj. Aman also elucidated Malaysia’s significant efforts to eradicate trafficking in persons. Furthermore, Dato’ Sri Anifah Hj. Aman had extended an invitation for Secretary Tillerson to undertake an official visit to Malaysia.

The first meeting between the two counterparts was held in a warm and friendly manner, and served as a platform for Malaysia to inculcate better relations with the United States under the administration of President Donald J. Trump.