Washington, Mar. 31, 2021, SPA -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a phone call today to Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein. During the phone conversation, they discussed bilateral relations and means of enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, including through ASEAN and other multilateral fora. Secretary Blinken affirmed the key role of ASEAN, centrality in the Indo-Pacific and underscored the importance of promoting freedom of navigation and other lawful uses of the sea. The two leaders also expressed deep concern over the military coup in Burma. --SPA 21:53 LOCAL TIME 18:53 GMT 0043 www.spa.gov.sa/w1534258