Kuala Lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that Malaysia's diplomatic engagement with the United States must be meticulously structured, employing smart diplomacy and being firmly anchored in comprehensive national interests. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, underscored the necessity of this approach given the United States' status as a major global economic power and its shifting administrative dynamics.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that this issue was deliberated upon during a courtesy visit by Malaysia's newly appointed Ambassador to the United States, Tan Sri Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob. The meeting broadly addressed the significance of fortifying bilateral relations between Malaysia and the United States, particularly in areas such as investment, security, technology, and strategic multidimensional cooperation that promise mutual benefits.

Ahmad Zahid also expressed his hopes that Muhammad Shahrul Ikram would be endowed with strength and wisdom in fulfilling his crucial responsibilities and continue to excel in representing Malaysia's voice and interests on the international stage. On June 3, the Foreign Ministry announced Muhammad Shahrul Ikram's appointment, a former secretary-general of the ministry, as Malaysia's new Ambassador to the United States.

According to the ministry, the appointment received the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who presented him with the instrument of appointment during a ceremony at Istana Negara on June 3.