Yang di-Pertuan Agong greets the President of USA

In conjunction with the 3-days State visits of the President of USA, Malaysia pull all the stops as the country of 30 million people greets the US President, Barrack Obama with a 'red-carpet' treatment. As Malaysia wished "Selamat Datang" to the President of USA which meant "Welcome" in Malay, a red carpet was rolled out during the official welcoming ceremony at Parliament Square last Saturday. Also present at the ceremony were Their Majesties the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah of Kedah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia, Tuanku Hajah Haminah of Kedah. Also present were the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abd Razak and his Deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin bin Yassin.

Obama later inspected the Guard-of-Honour mounted by 107 officers and men from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment led by Major Amriza Mohd Asshari. The ceremony marked by a 21-gun salute. The President of USA visits to Malaysia is a part of Obama's four-nation of Asia is a first by a sitting US president in 48 years since President Lyndon B. Johnson's in 1966. Obama had visited Japan and South Korea, the final of his Asia's trip is the Philippines.

The President's later was invited to the official State Banquet held at Istana Negara at night. In the banquet, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in his royal address has expressed Malaysia's gratitude for the United States's unwavering support and cooperation in the search operation of the lost Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370. The Supreme Ruler also stated that he was pleased to see the ties between Malaysia and the US gaining so much traction, as over the years, their common interests and shared values had flourished. His Majesty then concluded in his speech with hope that President Obama would enjoy Malaysia's hospitality and return to the US with fond memories of the country. "We hope your visit to Malaysia is both meaningful and memorable. We pray for your continued good health, as well as that of your family, and for the people of the US".