KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 – Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has invited United States President Barack Obama to visit Malaysia. The prime minister said he extended the invitation during the telephone conversation he had with Obama on Friday night.
Writing in his blog, www.1Malaysia.com.my, Najib said that during the visit Obama would be able to observe how Islam was applied in a plural, multi-ethnic society like Malaysia.
In his recent address to the Muslim world in Cairo, Obama had stated that he recognised Kuala Lumpur as an example of a progressive Muslim-majority country.
Najib and Obama had talked on the phone for about 20 minutes from 9.12pm on Friday.
“I explained to him that Malaysia shares significant common grounds with the United States of America in that we strongly believe in the ideals and principles of democracy, including accountability and transparency.
“I also spoke about the initiation of the 1Malaysia concept and how the sense of togetherness and belonging will help Malaysians move forward with a common purpose,” he said.
Najib said that in their first conversation with each other as heads of government both of them exchanged congratulatory wishes on their respective appointments.
“I expressed that I was looking forward to working closely with him. President Obama graciously acknowledged my ability to serve as prime minister based on my extensive background in the public service,” he said.
Najib said the conversation left him “with a sense of optimism towards our relationship with the United States of America.
“I look forward to renewing Malaysia’s ties with the United States under President Obama’s administration and hope to explore solutions and opportunities to mutually benefit both countries in the immediate and long term,” he said. – Bernama
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form
