A flurry of deals on trade and critical minerals was signed by the United States with Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam on Sunday (Oct 26).
Amir Yusof
KUALA LUMPUR: As he inked trade deals with four Southeast Asian countries, visiting United States President Donald Trump told leaders of the region that they can look to the US for its full support and friendship for years to come.
“Our message to the nations of Southeast Asia is that the US is with you 100 per cent and we intend to be a strong partner and friend for many generations to come,” Trump told leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Sunday (Oct 26).
Making his opening remarks at the US-ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, he added that this was a “golden age of America” and that the US is “committed to a free and open and thriving Indo-Pacific”.
“One year ago, we were in a different position, but now we're in the best position we've ever been. I say it's … the golden age of the United States,” he added in a rare and highly-anticipated visit to the region.
“Together, we'll create incredible prosperity for the nations on both sides of the Pacific Ocean and seize new opportunities for all of our people,” said Trump.
Speaking at the summit as ASEAN's rotating chairman, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said ties between the 11-member bloc and the US are grounded in a shared aim for peace and prosperity and have “deepened into a comprehensive strategic partnership”.
“The vibrant, tremendous economies of the US and Southeast Asia have the potential to create a golden age for all our nations,” he added, noting that two-way trade reached a record of US$453 billion last year, supporting jobs and businesses on both sides.
US President Donald Trump (centre) poses for a group photo with (from left) Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun… Manet, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, and Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the US-ASEAN Summit on Oct 26, 2025. (Photo: AFP/Vincent Thian/POOL)
Trump’s visit to Kuala Lumpur is the first time a US president has visited Malaysia in a decade, the last being Barack Obama in 2015.
It’s also a rare appearance for Trump at an ASEAN summit, having only attended the 2017 gathering in the Philippines during his first term in office but skipped subsequent meets, raising questions about his administration’s commitment to the region.
On Sunday, Trump told ASEAN leaders that he is happy to be back in Southeast Asia, “home of some of America's most important allies and countries and partners”.
DEALS WITH 4 ASEAN COUNTRIES
Earlier on Sunday, Trump signed reciprocal trade agreements with his Thai, Malaysian, Cambodian and Vietnamese counterparts that will see the countries work to address tariff and non-tariff barriers.
The US would maintain a tariff rate of 19 per cent on most exports from Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia under the deals, according to joint statements released by the White House.
Where Trump Is Headed in Asia, and What Each Country Wants From Him
From Kuala Lumpur to Gyeongju, President Trump is casting himself as a deal-maker and peace negotiator, while a wary region looks for tariff relief and steadier ties.
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