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Ambassador Keith and Embassy Economic Counselor Matt Matthews at December 15 roundtable discussion with journalists focused on U.S.-Malaysia economic and trade issues
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Ambassador Keith and Embassy Economic Counselor Matt Matthews hosted a roundtable discussion with local journalists on December
15 focused on U.S.-Malaysia economic and trade issues. Among the topics discussed were the future of the U.S. Malaysia Free
Trade Agreement, the global economic crisis and its repercussions for Malaysia, and the Obama administration.
Regarding the FTA, Ambassador reminded journalists, that "...it is impossible for us to make a specific commitment now on
the next round of negotiations, or what will be in the final FTA. We will have to hear from the new Administration about what
the U.S. priorities are for global trade talks, regional trade talks, and bilateral agreements." Ambassador Keith noted that
both the U.S. and Malaysia are to undergo a change of leadership early in 2009, and he remarked that the present time is very
important for the two countries because of political developments, and developments in the global economy. "This is a time when
we can create a framework for advancing our relations in a very profound way, as the world has conspired to create a chance for
the United States and Malaysia to advance our bilateral relations in ways that serve both the American and Malaysian people,
and I hope we can seize it."
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