Trump Thanks Malaysia's National Security Chief for Help on Missing Sailors

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US President Donald Trump thanked the director general of the Malaysian National Security Council for his country's help in recovering missing sailors after the USS John S. McCain accident, the White House said in a statement.

"Trump met with General Zulkifeli bin Muhammad Zin, Director General of the Malaysian National Security Council, accompanied by Malaysia’s Ambassador to the United States, Zulhasnan Rafique, and expressed the gratitude of the United States for the Malaysian Coast Guard, Royal Malaysian Navy, and Royal Malaysian Air Force’s help in recovering the fallen United States sailors of the USS John S. McCain," the statement said on Friday.

Trump and Zulkifeli also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of trade, defense and security cooperation, the statement said. It added that a stronger partnership would help the two countries address shared challenges such as promoting regional peace and combating Daesh and other terrorist groups.

The US president also said he looks forward to welcoming Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to the White House on September 12, according to the statement.

During his visit to the United States, Zulkifeli also met with Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs LTG H.R. McMaster.