Obama opens long-awaited visit to Malaysia

During the two—day visit, which follows stops in Japan and South Korea, Obama will also meet with citizen leaders and hold a town hall—style forum with young leaders from across the region.

But Obama rejected calls from human rights groups to meet with a prominent opposition leader while in Malaysia.

Ben Rhodes, Obama's deputy national security adviser, said relations between the U.S. and Malaysia have blossomed in recent years and that the country has become a “pivotal state” in the Obama administration's push to strengthen ties throughout the fast—growing and strategically important region.

Trade, defense and maritime security are among the issues Obama and Najib were expected to discuss during talks scheduled for Sunday.