Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak Sunday met with the United States Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, highlighting relations between the two countries, especially in the defense field.

Najib and Rumsfeld held a 30-minute meeting on the sideline of the fifth Asia Security Summit in Singapore, said news reports reaching here.

Malaysia and the United States are pleased with the level of cooperation and will continue to work closely, particularly in the field of anti-terrorism, Najib told reporters after the meeting.

Najib said his country is committed to helping the international community when the need arises.

"Our (Malaysia) commitment in Timor Leste and southern Philippines is also a good indication of our part in helping the international community," Najib was quoted as saying by the Bernama news agency.

Meanwhile, Rumsfeld said he agreed that the United States and Malaysia have developed "excellent military-to-military relationship and cooperation with respect to counter-terrorism, which is beneficial to both of our countries."

Rumsfeld also expressed his appreciation for Malaysia's role in Timor Leste, said the report.

The annual meeting, also known as the Shangri-la Dialogue, which opened Friday night, has been held at Singapore's Shangri-la hotel since its inauguration in 2002.

Source: Xinhua