KUALA LUMPUR: The new United States ambassador to Malaysia, Brian McFeeters, arrived on Friday to take up his new diplomatic appointment.
The US Embassy, in a statement, said the new ambassador is pleased to be returning to Malaysia, where he previously served as a Political Counselor from 2009 to 2011.
"It is wonderful to be back in Malaysia. During my time here ten years ago I was privileged to meet and work with many talented and dedicated Malaysians.
"I am looking forward to again working with the strong US Embassy team, which includes representatives from across the US government. Our overall goal is stronger relations with the Malaysian people and government", McFeeters said upon his arrival.
He added that President Joseph Biden has emphasised that the US needs to work closely with its friends, allies and partners around the world to combat myriad global challenges all are facing – from public health threats and economic downturns, to human trafficking and climate change.
"We are stronger when we work together. I look forward to leading a team that works with Malaysia in many areas, including by fostering mutually beneficial security cooperation; further strengthening economic ties that support tens of thousands of jobs in both Malaysia and the United States; and building more people-to-people ties, including through exchange programmes for young people".
"I know that we have a lot of work to do towards finally defeating Covid-19, but we are on that road together. I am glad that the Pfizer vaccine has successfully arrived in Malaysia and that the vaccine rollout has begun," added McFeeters.
The ambassador will begin meeting virtually with the US Embassy team and key counterparts while completing his required quarantine.
The top US diplomat is accompanied by his wife, Melanie, and their daughter, Sara.
McFeeters takes over from Kamala Shirin Lakhdir, who concluded her four-year diplomatic posting in Malaysia last month.