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The US government has approved a RM1 million grant to help restore Malaysia's Tugu Negara
According to the US Embassy, this funding reflects the steadily deepening bilateral ties between Washington and Putrajaya.
US Embassy Kuala Lumpur Charge d'Affaires David H Gamble announced the restoration funding during the US Independence Day reception yesterday, 2 July.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Gamble noted that Washington, DC has a similar monument, which he said helps symbolically bind the two countries together
Similar to the Tugu Negara, the US's Iwo Jima Memorial commemorates fallen heroes of World War 2.
"Given the striking similarities, and how these two monuments bind our countries together, we went back a few months ago and were able to get permission for the RM1 million contribution to Malaysia on behalf of the American people," he said, according to the New Straits Times.
The restoration project will be fully managed by Malaysian authorities, who have been working closely with their American counterparts behind the scenes
"Malaysia will undertake the restoration. This won't come as a surprise to the government of Malaysia," Gamble said regarding the collaboration.
"We've been working quietly behind the scenes to make sure this gift from the American people is something useful," he added.
Gamble also highlighted that bilateral relations entered hyperdrive this year following an official visit by US president Donald Trump
"Since then, all these new opportunities are opening up for Malaysia and the United States," he said.
"On the economy, 300,000 jobs here are supported by US businesses, and we are Malaysia's number one trading partner."
