Najib receives surprise call from Obama

KUALA LUMPUR: United States President Barack Obama today telephoned Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to congratulate the prime minister on his success in getting the mandate from the people at the 13th General Election (GE13) to continue leading Malaysia.

In the surprise call, Obama expressed his understanding and acceptance of the process and results of the country's recently-concluded GE13.

In a statement issued here today, the Prime Minister's Office said that during the conversation, the US president was also briefed on the Government's efforts to ensure the clean and fair process of the elections.

It said that on his part, Obama had agreed to participate in the two-day Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Kuala Lumpur, beginning Oct 11.

"Malaysia and the United States will continue to strengthen bilateral relations through regional and international cooperation," said the statement.

The US president also touched on the subject of bilateral and multilateral trade and specifically, on Trans Pacific Partnership, and looked forward towards an early conclusion of the initiative.

Both leaders also discussed the issue of Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Najib said he appreciated the personal call and interest shown by Obama on Malaysia, and his desire to foster closer relationship between both countries and administrations. -- BERNAMA

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)