For Immediate Release DHS Press Office Contact: 202-282-8010 NEW YORK — Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson met with Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs Dato’ Seri Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi to discuss a range of homeland security-related priorities ahead of the United Nations Interior Ministerial Security Council Open Briefing on Countering Foreign Terrorist Fighters to review progress implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2178.
During their meeting, Secretary Johnson and Minister Zahid discussed steps that both countries have taken to detect and prevent the travel of foreign terrorist fighters. Secretary Johnson thanked Minister Zahid for his leadership in Malaysia’s counterterrorism efforts in the region and the country’s lead role in promoting the targeting and interdiction of foreign terrorist fighters originating from or transiting Southeast Asia.
Secretary Johnson and Minister Zahid also discussed bilateral efforts to stem human trafficking in the region, and continued progress towards Visa Waiver Program Status for Malaysia, which permits visa-free travel to the United States for eligible travelers visiting the United States for 90 days or fewer for business or tourism.
The United States and Malaysia have taken steps to increase security cooperation between our two countries. Last year, Secretary Johnson and Minister Zahid signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on immigration security to enhance the shared security of the United States and Malaysia through increased training, professional exchanges and increased law enforcement cooperation between the two governments.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov. Human TraffickingCounterterrorism,Human Trafficking,Secretary Jeh Johnson
