Following White House talks, Najib says Malaysia a global player to be reckoned with

WASHINGTON DC: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak described the meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House as a manifestation of Malaysia to be recognised as a global player.
According to the Prime Minister, Donald Trump valued Malaysia's views involving global issues like North Korea, development in West Asia and tension in the South China Sea.
Najib said he was stress-free during the meeting with Trump at the White House on Tuesday, although there was all sorts of speculations and accusations over the visit.
"I was very happy to be received by the president of the US in that manner and he went out of his way (to welcome me). He received me not only as a PM but as a friend as well," Najib told Malaysian media at the end of his three-day visit to the US, here on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister leaves to London for a brief meeting with Britain Prime Minister Theresa May at No. 10, Downing Street.
The Najib-Trump meeting lasted for about an hour and both leaders were in high spirit, marked by warm and often hearty friendliness.
The Prime Minister's three-day visit to the United States was upon the invitation of Trump which served as a testimony of Malaysia's standing as a strategic partner but despite the significance of the visit, there were negative remarks and reports, linking Najib with the 1MDB investigations carried out by the US Department of Justice.
Najib said Malaysia's views on the Rohingya issue had also drawn the immediate concern of Trump once the issue and its implications were briefed.
As a result, the United States and Malaysia issued a joint-statement to condemn the violence against the Rohingya in Myanmar and urged such atrocity to be stopped immediately.
The Prime Minister said his visit was also viewed as an important occasion by President Trump since his senior advisers were by his side during the meeting with the Malaysian delegation.
Among those present with Trump were vice president Mike Pence, state secretary Rex Tillerson, Chief of Staff General John Kelly and National Security adviser Lt Gen H.R. McMaster.
Another significant milestone achieved by Malaysia is to be regarded as a capital exporter compared with 60 years ago when the country was only known as an exporter of tin and rubber.
Najib said corporate leaders from the United States when met during a function had expressed confidence in the economy of Malaysia and expect better profits next year. — Bernama