Obama in Malaysia to discuss bilateral trade, regional affairs

US President Barack Obama arrived Saturday on a three-day state visit to Malaysia, during which he will discuss issues like bilateral trade and regional affairs.

Obama's trip, originally scheduled for October last year, will be the first by a sitting US president since 1966, Xinhua reported.

His earlier planned visit to Malaysia was put off due to the budget standoff which led to a partial US government shutdown.

Obama is expected to hold talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak on the current status of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).

According to officials, Obama's visit will determine the strong economic relations that form the bedrock of Malaysia-US bilateral ties.

Malaysia's Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said the US has remained one of Malaysia's biggest trading partners and a leading source of foreign direct investment in the country.

"There is considerable potential to boost economic relations to increase linkages in new growth areas, especially in emerging and high technology sectors," Anifah said.

Obama Monday will witness the signing of several corporate agreements before leaving for Manila.