The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 28, 2014

Statement by President Obama on the Canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II

Today, Michelle and I join Catholics around the world in celebrating the canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II.

The work and witness of both Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II shaped not only the Catholic Church but the world.  Pope John XXIII articulated powerful roles for the Church in the cause of global peace and justice, and by convening the Second Vatican Council he revolutionized not only aspects of worship but the Catholic Church’s relationship with other faith communities.  Pope John Paul II helped inspire the Solidarity movement in Poland, a movement that spread and eventually helped to end communism in Eastern Europe, and he spoke out forcefully against apartheid in South Africa and genocide in Rwanda.  He had a special rapport with young people, drawing many of them to the Church’s work and teachings.

We celebrate these Saints and the leadership of His Holiness Pope Francis, and we look forward to continuing to work with Pope Francis and Catholics around the world to advance peace and justice for all people.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 28, 2014

Readout of President Obama's Call to Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe

Tonight the President called Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe to receive an update on the severe weather. The President expressed his condolences for those families who lost a loved one and his concern for the individuals still missing. He expressed his gratitude for the heroic first responders working to save lives.

The President directed Administrator Craig Fugate to travel to Arkansas to ensure the appropriate federal resources are being brought to bear to support the state and local efforts. The President asked the Governor to inform him and his team of any additional resources that could be provided to help the communities impacted.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 28, 2014

Readout of National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice's Meeting with Malaysian Opposition Leaders

Today, National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice met with three top leaders of the Malaysian political opposition to hear their views on the situation in Malaysia and their efforts to press for greater democracy, transparency, and reform.  Ambassador Rice underscored that the President's historic visit to Malaysia has been an important opportunity to continue the transformation of the relationship between our two countries--but that even as we deepen our cooperation with the Malaysian government, we are looking to expand our engagement with all of Malaysia, including civil society, industry, students, and participants from across the political spectrum.

Ambassador Rice reiterated the President's message that countries that welcome the contributions, and uphold the human rights of all their citizens, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity, race or religion are ultimately more prosperous and more successful. She also shared the United States' view that it is critical for Malaysia to apply the rule of law fairly, transparently, and apolitically in order to promote confidence in Malaysia’s democracy and judiciary.

Ambassador Rice emphasized to Mr. Anwar that the United States has followed his case closely, and that the decision to prosecute him and the trial have raised a number of concerns regarding the rule of law and the independence of the courts.

Ambassador Rice told the opposition leaders  that the United States will continue to raise our concerns about issues of political freedom,  the basic universal rights of freedom of expression, freedom of association, and religious liberty--as well as the need to respect and protect the rights of all people, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.

Finally, Ambassador Rice conveyed deep condolences on the passing of democracy and civil rights activist Mr. Karpal Singh. 

Participants:

  • Anwar Ibrahim (Mr. Anwar), Leader of the Opposition, chairman of the People’s Justice Party
  • Lim Guan Eng (Mr. Lim), Leader of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and opposition Member of Parliament
  • Mustafa Ali (Mr. Mustafa), Secretary General of the Pan-Malaysia Islamic Party (PAS) and opposition Member of Parliament

Pictures of the meeting can be found HERE and HERE

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 28, 2014

Statement by the Press Secretary on Ukraine

The United States has taken further action today in response to Russia’s continued illegal intervention in Ukraine and provocative acts that undermine Ukraine’s democracy and threaten its peace, security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.  At the contact group meeting in Geneva on April 17, 2014, Russia, Ukraine, the United States, and the European Union decided on a number of steps to deescalate the situation in eastern Ukraine, including refraining from further violence or provocative acts.   Since April 17, Russia has done nothing to meet its Geneva commitments and in fact has further escalated the crisis.  Russia’s involvement in the recent violence in eastern Ukraine is indisputable.

The United States made clear it would impose additional costs on Russia if it failed live up to its Geneva commitments and take concrete steps to deescalate the situation in Ukraine.  Consequently, today the United States is imposing targeted sanctions on a number of Russian individuals and entities and restricting licenses for certain U.S. exports to Russia.  The Department of the Treasury is imposing sanctions on seven Russian government officials, including two members of President Putin’s inner circle, who will be subject to an asset freeze and a U.S. visa ban, and 17 companies linked to Putin’s inner circle, which will be subject to an asset freeze.  In addition, the Department of Commerce has imposed additional restrictions on 13 of those companies by imposing a license requirement with a presumption of denial for the export, re-export or other foreign transfer of U.S.-origin items to the companies.  Further, today the Departments of Commerce and State have announced a tightened policy to deny export license applications for any high-technology items that could contribute to Russia’s military capabilities.  Those Departments also will revoke any existing export licenses that meet these conditions.

The international community has been unified in its position that Russia must cease its illegal intervention and provocative actions in Ukraine.  The United States, working closely with its partners, remains prepared to impose still greater costs on Russia if the Russian leadership continues these provocations instead of de-escalating the situation, consistent with its Geneva commitments.  The executive order signed by the President on March 20, 2014, authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to impose sanctions on individuals and entities operating in key sectors of the Russian economy, such as financial services, energy, metals and mining, engineering, and defense.  If there is further Russian military intervention in Ukraine, we are prepared to sanction entities under this authority.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 28, 2014

Statement by the President on Yom HaShoah

On this Yom HaShoah, I join people of all faiths in the United Sates, in the State of Israel, and around the world in remembering the six million Jews – innocent men, women and children – who were senselessly murdered during the Holocaust, as well as all the victims of Nazi brutality and violence. 

Even as we mourn those whose lives were taken, this day also provides us with an opportunity to honor those who emerged from the darkness of the Shoah to rebuild their lives in new communities around the world.  I am honored to have the opportunity to address survivors of the Holocaust, along with many of those who have worked so hard to preserve their testimony and share their stories, when I speak at the Shoah Foundation next week.  On this Yom HaShoah, let us recommit ourselves to the task of remembrance, and to always oppose anti-Semitism wherever it takes root. Together, we must give enduring meaning to the words “Never Again.”

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 28, 2014

FACT SHEET: U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Growth

The Partnership for Growth (PFG), a whole of government effort resulting from President Obama’s September 2010 Presidential Policy Directive on Global Development, is a high-level initiative focused on economic growth in countries committed to good governance.  The PFG aligns with policy reform areas outlined by President Benigno S. Aquino III in the Philippine Development Plan.

The United States and the Philippines are committed to placing the Philippines on a path to sustained and more inclusive economic growth, and elevating it to the ranks of other high-performing emerging economies.  Under the PFG, we are taking a comprehensive approach to development that reaches beyond traditional foreign assistance.

The PFG aims to address the most significant constraints to growth and to stimulate inclusive economic expansion.  A joint analysis identified governance and inability to capture revenue as the top constraints to growth in the Philippines.  The PFG leverages the resources and tools of partners, especially the private sector, to increase the effectiveness of policies and institutions necessary for development.  USAID and Millennium Challenge Corporation funding provides more than $800 million over five years to support PFG projects.

Under the U.S.-Philippines five-year Joint Country Action Plan, we have prioritized creating a more transparent, predictable, and consistent legal and regulatory regime; fostering a more open and competitive business environment; strengthening the rule of law; and supporting fiscal stability through better revenue and expenditure management.  The U.S. government is committed to sustained inter-agency engagement in support of the PFG’s goal and objectives.

Since 2011, the Philippine government has made significant progress in implementing policy and institutional reforms.  The Philippines has also achieved remarkable improvements in GDP growth, competitiveness, tax revenues, and sovereign debt ranking.  We continue to work together to ensure that the growth generated is inclusive and sustainable.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 28, 2014

FACT SHEET: United States-Philippines Bilateral Relations

President Obama visited the Philippines from April 28-29 to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the alliance, and to discuss with President Aquino our strategic vision for the bilateral relationship.  The President noted our shared history, shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, commitment to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and commitment to build prosperity for our people and the global economy.

Security Cooperation
During the visit, President Obama and President Aquino announced that the two countries agreed to an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).  The agreement will help the U.S.-Philippine alliance continue to promote the peace and stability that has underpinned Asia’s remarkable economic growth over the past six decades.  The EDCA updates and strengthens U.S.-Philippine defense cooperation to meet 21st century challenges.  The agreement will facilitate the enhanced rotational presence of U.S. forces; facilitate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Philippines and the region; improve opportunities for bilateral training; and support the long-term modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as it works to establish a minimum credible defense.

The United States has already begun to provide $40 million in technical expertise, training, and equipment through the Global Security Contingency Fund to strengthen the Philippines’ security operations and maritime domain awareness capabilities, the United States is supporting the AFP as it transitions from internal security to external defense (as outlined in the Philippine government’s 2011 “Internal Peace and Security Plan”).  This funding also assists the Philippine National Police as they assume a leading role in providing internal security and combating terrorism.

The United States, through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, is also helping to construct a Philippine National Coast Watch Center in Manila that will assist the Philippine Coast Guard in assuming increased responsibility for enhancing information sharing and interagency coordination in maritime security operations.

Economic Cooperation
The Aquino administration has made significant progress in implementing economic policy and institutional reforms and has achieved remarkable improvements in GDP growth, competitiveness, intellectual property protection and enforcement, tax revenues, and the country’s sovereign debt ranking.  The United States is supporting that effort through the Partnership for Growth (PFG), an enhanced engagement of 15 U.S. government agencies aiming to address the most significant constraints to growth in the Philippines and to stimulate inclusive economic expansion.  USAID and the Millennium Challenge Corporation account for the majority of PFG financial resources amounting to more than $750 million.

Together we have made enormous strides in deepening economic linkages between our two countries.  These include:

  • Removal of the Philippines from the Special 301 Watch List, based on significant advances in the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights; • Considerable progress on worker rights issues in the Philippines, which will allow the U.S. government to close a Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) review of worker rights in Philippines without any change to the Philippines’ GSP trade benefits; • Actions to further strengthen and expand bilateral agricultural trade – including for U.S. meat and vegetable exports to Philippines as well as Philippine fruit exports to the United States – recognizing the sector’s increasing importance to the bilateral relationship; • Announcement on April 10 by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration that the Republic of the Philippines complies with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization and has been granted a Category 1 rating; and • Agreement in principle on the general market access terms, including steps to facilitate trade by the Philippines, which would enable the United States to support special WTO treatment for the Philippines’ rice imports through 2017. Both governments intend to finalize a letter exchange memorializing this understanding by June 1.

To further strengthen the United States’ enduring ties to the Asia-Pacific region, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker will travel to the Philippines in June in conjunction with a delegation of U.S. CEOs.  The engagement of our respective private sectors is critical for strengthening our ties and for generating economic growth and high-paying jobs both in the United States and in the region.

The United States and the Philippines have a strong, $24 billion-a-year trade relationship, and our two governments are committed to building on that for mutual benefit.  We discussed Philippine interest in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which the United States sees as the pathway to promoting high-standard, ambitious and comprehensive Asia-Pacific economic integration and to encourage economic reform and development, increase regional and global competitiveness, and create jobs.

The United States will continue to support the Philippine government’s medium- to long-term recovery efforts following Typhoon Haiyan, directed at infrastructure and livelihood development, by working hand in hand with the President’s Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery and local government units.  The United States is providing $140 million towards typhoon recovery.

The United States welcomes the finalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as an important step in ending violence in the southern Philippines.  The United States continues to support efforts to improve governance and foster development in Mindanao through ongoing programs aimed at strengthening local governments’ ability to deliver basic social and economic services, improving governments’ transparency and accountability, and supporting civic engagement in local communities.

People-to-People
The United States and the Philippines share extensive people-to-people ties.  Around 350,000 Americans reside in the Philippines, and approximately 600,000 U.S. citizens visit the country each year.  There are approximately 4 million people of Philippine descent in the United States.  The Philippines boasts the world’s oldest continuous operating Fulbright program: the Philippine-American Educational Foundation, established in 1948.  In 2013, the U.S. Embassy in Manila processed close to 200,000 non-immigrant visa applications and nearly 65,000 immigrant visa cases.  Since 1961, over 8,500 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in the Philippines, and at present, 130 Peace Corps Volunteers are working in the country on education, youth development, environmental conservation, and disaster management issues.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 27, 2014

President Obama Congratulates American Companies On Completing Commercial Agreements

 

Agreements will increase exports, boost investment in the U.S. and support American jobs

Today, President Obama attended a signing ceremony to congratulate three American companies -- General Electric, Verdezyne and MetLife -- on the completion of commercial agreements in Malaysia worth more than $1.8 billion. As a result of these deals, U.S. companies will be doing more business in Malaysia, increasing U.S. exports, and Malaysians will be investing in America.  All these transactions help support good jobs in the United States.

Three Agreements

GE-Air Asia X

General Electric will supply engines and related maintenance to power 25 new A330 aircraft for Air Asia X.  This sale, worth more than $1.5 billion, will help support thousands of jobs in Cincinnati, Ohio, Durham, North Carolina, Rutland, Vermont and elsewhere in the United States as well as jobs in GE’s 150 suppliers in 34 states.  With this agreement, GE will have provided 600 engines to AirAsia.

Verdezyne-Sime Darby

Sime Darby will take a 30% stake, valued at $30 million, in San Diego-based Verdezyne, a start-up biotechnology company.  Verdezyne will use this investment to fund research and development in the United States.  The two companies will cooperate on developing a new facility that will convert palm oil waste into valuable industrial chemicals.

MetLife-AmBank Group

MetLife and AmBank have agreed to cooperate on a $250 million venture to distribute savings and insurance products, including Takaful, Islamic-compliant insurance contracts. AmBank is the fifth largest banking group in Malaysia.

U.S.-Malaysia Investment and Trade

Malaysia is one of the fastest growing investors in the US.  For example, Genting, a leisure and hospitality company, is investing over $3 billion into the hotel & tourism sector. The Malaysia Life Science Capital Fund includes several U.S. biotechnology companies in its investment portfolio. Finally, Khazanah, the state investment fund, recently opened an office in San Francisco targeting high-tech investments.

Malaysia is also the second largest U.S. trading partner in ASEAN and the United States is Malaysia’s fourth largest trading partner worldwide.

Reflecting Malaysia’s strong integration into global supply chains, semiconductors, computer parts and electronic equipment form a substantial part of bilateral trade. Other U.S. exports include civilian aircraft, industrial equipment and chemicals and agricultural products, while additional substantial Malaysian exports include palm oil and medical equipment. 

In 2013, bilateral trade in goods increased to $40.3 billion from $38.8 billion in 2012.

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 27, 2014

FACT SHEET: The President’s Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative

 

Today, President Obama hosted a town hall with youth from across the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as part of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI).  YSEALI is the President’s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking in ASEAN, deepen engagement with young leaders on key regional and global challenges, and strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and young Southeast Asian leaders.  President Obama announced YSEALI via video message December 2013 during the LEAD ASEAN Youth Summit in Manila, Philippines.

Engaging and strengthening ties with young people is a critical element of the United States’ rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region.  Recognizing that over 65 percent of ASEAN’s population is under the age of 35, YSEALI is an important investment in the next generation of Southeast Asian leaders.  This initiative expands existing U.S. engagement in the region to better empower, support, and connect youth across Southeast Asia.  Learn more about YSEALI here. 

Developing Innovative Solutions to Shared Challenges

Over the coming months, the State Department will host YSEALI Generation Workshops aimed at developing a regional network for youth in ASEAN countries to collaborate on solving common challenges and creating new opportunities.  At YSEALI Youth Summits, cross-regional teams will present proposals to tackle economic, environmental, education and civic engagement challenges to leaders in business, government, and civil society and share their perspectives on regional issues.  YSEALI Seeds for the Future will provide funding for many of these teams to implement their ideas.

YSEALI will also encourage creative solutions to major global issues through the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) newly-launched Development Innovations Lab in Cambodia, which will be the first of several such labs that are being created across ASEAN.  The Lab will provide a platform for youth to innovatively address development challenges through creative applications of technology, while strengthening and building networks of leaders in civil society and social entrepreneurship.  The Labs will provide young people specialized training and mentoring in communication and leadership skills from experienced ICT professionals, civil society leaders, and established social entrepreneurs.  They will have access to state-of-the-art computers, software, and equipment, as well as in-person discussion forums aimed at nurturing new ideas and information sharing.

Elevating the Ideas of Young Leaders

Launched at today’s town hall, YSEALI Talks provides a platform for young leaders to share their ideas, initiatives, and innovations.  By organizing and presenting a YSEALI Talk, youth can generate support for their ideas, both within their own communities and across a broader network.  Participants in today’s town hall will be the first to present YSEALI Talks and will help others develop their own events. #YSEALITalks will enable young leaders to connect, contribute to a broader conversation, and collaborate on creating new initiatives.  Information on how to join the initiative and create a YSEALI Talk is available here. 

Linking Young Leaders

YSEALI Connects will expand opportunities for young leaders from Southeast Asia to participate in new State Department-organized exchanges in the United States.  Working with their American counterparts, young leaders will be able to discover the latest tools, trends, and technology in their field.  These programs will allow ASEAN and American young leaders to develop new solutions for key issues such as economic development, environmental protection, education, and civic engagement.  The first exchanges will take place this summer at university campuses across the United States, with a focus on the environment.   Another program is slated to take place later this fall.

YSEALI Online will virtually connect young leaders from across the region and will offer an array of resources, networking opportunities, and trainings.  The internet-based platform will encourage young people to collaborate on regional strategies for tackling issues of shared concern and will provide them an avenue to further their own development through courses on leadership, entrepreneurship, and major trends.  The YSEALI website will also be regularly updated with information on upcoming events, courses, and opportunities.

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 27, 2014

Joint Statement By President Obama And Prime Minister Najib Of Malaysia

 

The Honorable Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia and The Honorable Barack Obama, President of the United States of America held a bilateral meeting on 27 April 2014 in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

The two leaders reflected on the historic nature of President Obama’s State Visit to Malaysia, the first Presidential visit in 48 years, and the resilience of bilateral relations between Malaysia and the United States.  Both leaders reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further enhance Malaysia – U.S. engagement on issues of bilateral, regional and international importance.

Reflecting on the search for missing flight MH370 which carried passengers and crew from 14 nations, including Malaysia and the United States, the Prime Minister expressed Malaysia’s gratitude to President Obama for the United States' unwavering support.  Malaysia is heartened by the presence of the United States from day one in the ongoing operations to locate flight MH370.  The support received exemplifies the strong ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Recognizing the growing cooperation between the two countries in a wide range of areas, Prime Minister Najib and President Obama decided to elevate the Malaysia – U.S. relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership with the aim of advancing the two countries’ common interests and the shared values of the people of the United States and Malaysia.  Under the Comprehensive Partnership, both countries commit to further strengthening dialogue mechanisms in key areas including political and diplomatic cooperation, trade and investment, education and people-to-people ties, security and defense cooperation, as well as collaboration on the environment, science and technology, and energy.

Political and Diplomatic Cooperation

The Prime Minister and the President welcomed the increasing high-level interaction between the two countries in recent years, including the numerous Cabinet-level exchanges of visits, and encouraged continued dialogue at various levels. Both sides also committed to reinvigorate the Malaysia – U.S. Senior Officials Dialogue as a key forum to pursue the implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership through regular consultations.

The Prime Minister appreciated the United States’ presence in Asia which contributes to peace, stability and prosperity in the region. President Obama reiterated the United States’ strong support for the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the importance of East Asian regional institutions. President Obama also welcomed Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2015 and expressed confidence that under Malaysia’s stewardship, ASEAN would further its regional ambition of economic integration.

The Prime Minister and the President acknowledged the importance of peace and stability for the security and economic prosperity of nations.  The leaders exchanged views on recent developments in the South China Sea and affirmed the importance of safeguarding maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region, including critical waterways in the South China Sea. The two leaders underscored the importance of all parties concerned resolving their territorial and maritime disputes through peaceful means, including international arbitration, as warranted, and in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The two leaders highlighted the importance of all parties concerned avoiding the use of force, intimidation, or coercion, and exercising self-restraint in the conduct of activities.

The Prime Minister and the President reaffirmed the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in enhancing mutual trust and confidence amongst all parties concerned and recognized the need for ASEAN and China to work expeditiously towards the establishment of an effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).

The two leaders underscored their commitment to promoting respect for human rights, as well as the importance of a vibrant and independent civil society consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and international human rights law.  Respect for diversity, respect for the freedom to express different views and practice different faiths, respect for all religions and respect for the rights of all in the populations are essential to healthy and prosperous democracies.

Both leaders welcomed efforts to promote tolerance and inter-faith understanding and counter violence and extremism. In relation to this, the two leaders also appreciated the goals of the Global Movement of Moderates to promote greater understanding and moderation among people of all faiths by expanding government-to-government and people-to-people engagement.

President Obama commended Malaysia’s leading role in facilitating the Southern Philippines Bangsamoro peace process that led to the recent signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

Both leaders welcomed the bilateral work agreement on the gainful employment of spouses of embassy and consulate officials which provides benefits for diplomatic families of both sides as well as the host country.

Economic and Trade Cooperation

Prime Minister Najib and President Obama celebrated the strong economic links between Malaysia and the United States, including bilateral trade amounting to U.S. $40 billion annually.  Prime Minister Najib and President Obama applauded the progress made so far in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement negotiations.  They reaffirmed their commitment to work together to resolve the remaining issues and conclude the high-standard agreement as soon as possible so that both countries’ businesses, workers, farmers, and consumers could begin benefitting.   Both leaders also discussed the importance of enhancing multilateral cooperation to promote trade, investment and inclusive growth in fora such as ASEAN, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Noting that the United States was the largest source of foreign investment in Malaysia in 2013, the Prime Minister acknowledged the beneficial and significant role of U.S. investors in the development of Malaysia’s economy. This close cooperation has resulted in support for Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) through linkages between U.S. companies and Malaysian SMEs, sharing technology, promoting innovation and contributing to Malaysia’s economic transformation agenda.

The President similarly highlighted the United States’ openness to foreign investment, and noted the mutually beneficial nature of Malaysian investment in the United States.  The President encouraged Malaysian participation in SelectUSA, a U.S. Government initiative to promote and facilitate inbound business investment and a key partner and support system for potential Malaysian investors, including SMEs, seeking investment opportunities in the United States.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of a strong intellectual property rights regime, to promote innovation and for the mutual benefit of innovators and consumers. Such a regime has already helped support investments in new growth areas including in emerging and high technology sectors as well as high value-added, knowledge-based and skills-intensive industries which should generate more high income job opportunities in both countries and support Malaysia’s aspiration to become a developed nation by the year 2020. The two leaders expressed confidence that the ongoing economic reforms in Malaysia and the economic recovery of the United States would accelerate economic growth, opening greater opportunities for trade and creating employment in both countries.

Education and People-to-People

Recognizing people-to-people relations as the foundation of strong bilateral ties, the two leaders affirmed their shared intention to foster better understanding, goodwill and friendship between the peoples of both countries.

Reflecting the Prime Minister and President Obama’s shared aspiration to enhance people-to-people interaction first discussed in 2010, the two leaders celebrated the success of the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program.  Likening the spirit of the Fulbright ETA program to the Peace Corps program, which ran for two decades in Malaysia, Prime Minister Najib and President Obama announced that the governments of Malaysia and the United States have extended the Fulbright ETA Program for another three years.

The two leaders applauded the network of eight Lincoln Corners in six different Malaysian states and Kuala Lumpur that host hundreds of educational programs and promote connections between Malaysia and the United States. Both leaders also recognized the value of sharing the rich cultural heritages of our two countries through exchanges of displays in art galleries and museums in both countries.

The Prime Minister and President Obama welcomed the establishment of the Malaysia-America Foundation and the exploring of opportunities to establish sister city relationships between the two sides.

Prime Minister Najib and President Obama acknowledged that university level linkages between the United States and Malaysia continue to grow. Both sides encouraged the expansion of research and study partnerships between U.S. and Malaysian institutions of higher education.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of youth empowerment, particularly in promoting entrepreneurship, environmental protection, education, and civic participation in Malaysia and across the region, including through such programs as the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) and activities under the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI).

Defense and Security

President Obama welcomed Malaysia’s commitment to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction with the endorsement of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Statement of Interdiction Principles.

The two leaders reaffirmed the longstanding military-to-military cooperation between Malaysia and the United States which provides a solid foundation for enhancements across a broad front. Both leaders acknowledged the value of continuous dialogue on regional and global security challenges as well as coordination on military matters through the Malaysia – U.S. Strategic Talks (MUSST) and the Bilateral Training and Consultative Group (BiTACG).

Prime Minister Najib and President Obama decided to continue discussions on opportunities for practical future cooperation in the maritime domain, including ways the United States could support the development of Malaysia’s maritime enforcement capacity through the provision of training, equipment and expertise.

President Obama applauded Malaysia’s troop contributions to peacekeeping in United Nations missions, including in Afghanistan and Lebanon and thanked Malaysia for its successful deployment of a military medical team in Afghanistan.  Both sides committed to strengthen cooperation in peacekeeping training under the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI) and welcomed U.S. support for the Malaysian Peacekeeping Training Centre.

The two leaders welcomed the expansion of ties between the defense industries of Malaysia and the United States, which contribute to Malaysia’s economic development. Both sides committed to work further to nurture and deepen defence bilateral engagements, including promoting the interoperability between the two armed forces.

Malaysia and the United States noted with satisfaction the progress in various ongoing scientific sectors, including cooperation to raise awareness and capacity in biosecurity laboratories and research facilities in Malaysia dealing with biological threats.   These activities reflect a shared commitment to the Global Health Security Agenda, which seeks to accelerate progress toward a world safe and secure from threats posed by infectious disease.

Prime Minister Najib and President Obama expressed a firm commitment towards enhancing cooperation between their two countries in trade and investment.  Among the areas of interest are customs administrative matters and to this end would therefore encourage officials engaged in the negotiations to expedite the early conclusion of the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement. The two leaders are also committed to work toward finalizing the memorandum of understanding on immigration information exchange.

Prime Minister Najib and President Obama also decided to consult on Malaysia’s interest in meeting the statutory requirements for participation in the Visa Waiver Program.  As a first step, the United States has committed to provide technical briefings on security requirements and information sharing agreements this year.

Recalling the Memorandum of Understanding on Transnational Crime signed by both sides in 2012, the two leaders look forward to convening the inaugural Joint Working Group Meeting to review the efficiency and effectiveness of our law enforcement cooperation.

The two leaders decided that Malaysia and the United States would strengthen cooperation in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and management, including exploring capacity building initiatives to increase preparedness in handling natural and man-made disasters.

Environment, Science and Technology, and Energy Cooperation

The Prime Minister and President Obama welcomed the active cooperation between Malaysia and the United States in science and technology following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Science and Technology Cooperation in 2010. Pursuant to the MOU, the leaders noted the establishment of focus areas on biotechnology, marine science, climate studies, conservation science and management under the Joint Committee of Science and Technology.

The Prime Minister highlighted to President Obama the initiatives under the Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC), a joint New York Academy of Sciences and Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) forum with a mandate to develop science, technology and innovation strategies to achieve Malaysia’s vision 2020.

Malaysia recognized the U.S. Government’s tremendous role as an important partner of the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI). The Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation to President Obama for United States’ contributions of more than U.S $60 million in technical and financial assistance and capacity building programs to CTI member countries.

Noting the shared visions of the two countries to develop a stronger bio-based economy to ensure sustainable growth, both leaders recognized expanded private sector research collaboration and cooperation in biotechnology.

The Prime Minister sought the United States’ support to build Malaysian knowledge and expertise to develop green technology and thanked President Obama for U.S. assistance in creating Malaysia’s newly announced green technology development strategy and clean energy cooperation to date under the U.S. Asia Pacific Comprehensive Energy Partnership.

The Prime Minister and President Obama reiterated a common commitment to the conservation of biodiversity and agreed to strengthen cooperation in addressing illegal wildlife trade.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, both leaders pledged their commitment to elevate the Malaysia – U.S. bilateral cooperation to a Comprehensive Partnership that would cover wide-ranging areas for the expansion of trade and investment, security and defense, education, science and technology, energy, and people-to-people relations, for the collective benefit of both countries.

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