US Treasury official’s visit to focus on unified response to threats, says envoy
US ambassador Edgard D Kagan speaking to reporters at the Defence Services Asia and National Security Asia 2024 exhibitions at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur today.
KUALA LUMPUR: The meeting between the US Treasury department’s top sanctions official with Malaysian leaders will focus on the importance of a unified global response to critical threats, says US ambassador Edgard D Kagan.
Reuters reported last week that US Treasury under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence Brian Nelson will travel to Malaysia and Singapore this week as Washington seeks to combat funding for Iran and its proxy groups as well as evasion of its sanctions on Russia.
Quoting a source close to the matter, the Reuters report said there has been an uptick in money moving to Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, through the Malaysian financial system, with Nelson expected to discuss the US concerns and the sanctions risk that such activity poses.
“Obviously, I don’t want to prejudge the discussions, but I will say that we’re approaching this very much in the spirit of partnership with the sense that we do share common threats and challenges,” said Kagan.
“And we all recognise the importance of the national community standing together on things that are critical to the security of all of us.”
He was speaking to reporters at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibitions at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre here today.
Reuters reported that Nelson’s visit also comes as the US Treasury increases its focus on terrorist financing through Southeast Asia, including through fundraising efforts and illicit Iranian oil sales.
The US Treasury imposed sanctions on four Malaysia-based companies it accused of being fronts supporting Iran’s production of drones in December.
Washington has recently imposed further sanctions targeting Iran, including over Iranian drones used by Russia in the war in Ukraine, as the US has sought to ratchet up pressure on Tehran after its attack on Israel.
Asked if Malaysia is seen as a transshipment hub for Iranian oil, Kagan said he is confident the Malaysian government understands the US’s position with regards to the transshipment of sanctioned oil and the potential impact that this could have.
“We look forward to candid and frank discussions that are going to be held, from our standpoint, in the spirit of working together to address a common problem,” he said.