KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The tense relationship between Cuba and the United States will not influence Cuba's future role in leading the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), said a Malaysian senior official Sunday.

    As the NAM member countries have agreed that Cuba will take over Malaysia as the future NAM chairman this September, there is no need to question Cuba's ability to steer the movement, Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said.

    Syed made the remarks when asked to comment on Malaysia's confidence in Cuba's future leadership as the NAM chairman during an interview broadcast live on local TV station.

    "The problem between Cuba and the United States should not cloud our position in NAM. The bilateral ties between Cuba and the US are not NAM's problems," Syed said.

    The NAM Coordinating Bureau (NAM-CoB) Ministerial Meeting will open at the Putrajaya International Convention Center Monday, with delegates from about 90 out of the 114 member countries expected to participate.

    The ministerial meeting prepares for the 14th Conference of the Heads of States of the NAM to be held in Havana, Cuba, this September. Enditem