KUALA LUMPUR April 26. United States (US) President Barrack Obama took a few moments to give some words of encouragement regarding missing flight MH370 to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein during the former's maiden visit to Malaysia today.
"He (Obama) knows it's a tough long road ahead.
"He will work together with us. He will support us," Hishammuddin told reporters after the welcoming ceremony at Parliament Square here.
Hishammuddin gestured to reporters from afar that Obama spoke about the MH370 search by showing hand gestures of a plane and binoculars. He confirmed it was about the search of the missing plane when approached after the ceremony.
When met later, Hishammuddin said: "He (Obama) will be with us. I'm very happy to hear (this) because it is a long journey for us."
Obama took a few moments to speak to Hishammuddin when he was meeting the Cabinet ministers after inspecting the Guard of Honour.
He was accompanied by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
Obama was honoured with 21-gun salute by the First Batalion of the Royal Malay Regiment led by Mejar Amriza Mohd Asshari with 103 servicemen and four officers.
Earlier, high police presence was seen several metres outside the Parliament gate. US security agents and local police were also seen inspecting the vicinity and inside the building, including the roof at the square.
K9 units were also seen inspecting vehicles parked within the compound as well as the media tools and bags of journalists who arrived more than four hours prior to the arrival of officials and guest of honour.
Obama departed from Parliament at 5.50pm after taking some photographs with several ministers.
Obama is the first serving American leader to visit Malaysia since 1966. In his three-day agenda, he is scheduled to make several iconic visits including to the National Mosque, Istana Negara, Universiti Malaya and the PM's official residence where he is also expected to give a joint press conference with Najib.
It was reported that the President's visit would herald the elevation of Malaysia-US bilateral relations to a 'Comprehensive Partnership' towards an open, constructive and productive discussions on economy, security and people-to-people relations. The Sun Daily
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