KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Malaysia is keeping an open mind to the United States' offer to help the country build its maritime capacity and maintain safety of the Straits of Malacca, Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar has said.

    "In our case, I think we are keen to improve our capacity in all areas," Syed Hamid told reporters after meeting US Deputy Secretary of State Robert B. Zoellick in Putrajaya, Federal Administrative Center, on Monday.

    The US offer was made by Zoellick who arrived here Sunday for atwo-day visit to Malaysia.

    It is reported that the United States has made similar offers to Indonesia and Singapore.

    Syed Hamid said there had been a misunderstanding that the co-operation (with the United States) would lead to direct interference in the security affairs of the littoral states.

    "He (Zoellick) said that he respected and understood the responsibility of the littoral states and that in certain areas they have the capacity. And if Malaysia wishes to co-operate and get exposure, this can be done," Syed Hamid said.

    "So, we think it is important that we have got the capability to make sure that the Malacca Straits, with the co-operation of the other littoral states, will continue to be a very safe passagefor ships," he said.

    Saying that he had a constructive discussion with Zoellick, Syed Hamid said the United States had expressed its interest to get engaged in areas that it had the necessary expertise.

    "We feel that the United States has a role in this region and we feel that the United States will continue to play a role in ourregion and enhance bilateral relations with us," he said.

    Syed Hamid said he and Zoellick also discussed and exchanged views on bilateral matters and international issues, including Iraq and terrorism.

    During Zoellick's visit, Malaysia and the United States Monday renewed the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), a 10-year pact which provides the basic framework for cooperation in military logistic matters.

    Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and visiting USDeputy Secretary of State witnessed the renewal of ACSA, which spans from 2005 until 2015.

    The first ACSA was signed by the two countries in 1994, which expired last year. It is reported that several new clauses covering security of ports are included in the new pact. Enditem