Kuala lumpur: The United States respects Malaysia’s sovereign right to pursue its own foreign and economic policy, including interests in exploring opportunities with the BRICS economic grouping, stated US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D Kagan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kagan emphasized that Washington understands Malaysia’s motivation to expand its trade and investment opportunities on a global scale. However, he stressed that Malaysia’s long-term economic prosperity is still firmly anchored in its integration within Western supply chains, a relationship reinforced by the recently signed US-Malaysia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART).
“The US has a deep appreciation of Malaysia’s views on its foreign policy, and we recognize Malaysia has a sovereign right to do what is in its best interest, and we understand what is driving the interest in BRICS,” Kagan noted in an interview.
He also highlighted that while BRICS, a group comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran, might offer certain economic benefits to Malaysia, it should not be seen as conflicting with Malaysia’s economic partnership with the US. Kagan added that Malaysia’s involvement with BRICS doesn’t need to be viewed as a zero-sum game and that it can concurrently strengthen its relationship with the US.
Discussing Malaysia’s economic integration, Kagan pointed out that the country’s involvement in Western supply chains, especially in sectors like semiconductors, green technology, and advanced manufacturing, has been crucial to its economic resilience and global competitiveness. This integration has been further solidified by the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, signed during President Donald Trump’s official visit to Malaysia.
Kagan reiterated the US’s commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation with Malaysia and ensuring investor confidence remains strong. He also reflected on President Trump’s visit to Malaysia, noting the positive relationship developed with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the effective collaboration between the two nations.