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US aircraft carrier arrives in Port Klang for five-day visit
KUALA LUMPUR - The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis sailed into Port Klang yesterday, in a move underlining the strong ties between the US and Malaysia. The nuclear-powered carrier was invited to the port by Kuala Lumpur despite the recent Malaysian protests against an American presence in the Malacca Strait.The visit reflects the US commitment to a 'loyal' friend, said Rear Admiral Patrick Walsh, commander of the carrier group. 'This is a visit for us for rest and recreation and to enjoy Malaysian culture. We are here by invitation,' he told the media. 'I hope this will be the first of many visits. This is an opportunity to really stand by a loyal, faithful partner and friend,' he said, after reporters and photographers toured the floating 'mini-city' of nearly 6,000 officers and sailors. He hosted a reception for some 400 Malaysian government and defence officials aboard the warship yesterday evening. The two countries will also hold a 'limited defence exercise' during the five-day visit, he said. Malaysian and Indonesian officials protested when suggestions were raised recently that the US help to boost security in the pirate-prone Malacca Strait to avert terrorist attacks. Malaysian officials said its territorial sovereignty would be compromised and it was worried that terrorists could be attracted to the region if US forces were present. The three littoral states - Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore - have since banded together to boost naval security in the Strait. Asked how he sees the US role in the strait, Rear-Adm Walsh said he recognised that 'sovereignty is a very important issue'. 'That is their right and they are in the best position to enforce their own security. Where we can help, we can build capacity and we can help with information and intelligence sharing,' he added.
Posted by: Steve White 2004-09-02 |
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