KUALALUMPUR, Malaysia, July 10, 2025 – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim hosted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a courtesy call, underscoring a shared commitment to elevate Malaysia-U.S. relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The meeting spotlighted expanded cooperation in digital investment, artificial intelligence, defense, and education, while addressing pressing regional issues, including the situations in Palestine, Ukraine, and Myanmar.
Anwar voiced Malaysia’s concerns over the U.S.’s recently announced 25 percent import tariff under President Donald Trump’s administration. He warned that such unilateral measures could disrupt free trade and hinder economic growth in Southeast Asia, particularly for trade-dependent nations like Malaysia. The Prime Minister urged for continued dialogue to ensure fair and equitable trade practices that do not disadvantage developing countries.
The discussions concluded with Anwar extending an official invitation to President Trump to attend the ASEAN-U.S. Summit and the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October.
Malaysia remains confident that deeper ties with the U.S. will not only strengthen bilateral relations but also serve as a catalyst for stability, prosperity, and peace across the Indo-Pacific region.