KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 26 -- Malaysia has committed to the expedient development of its critical minerals and rare earths sectors in partnership with United States companies, including granting extended operating licences to create certainty for businesses to increase production capacity.

According to the Joint Statement on the US-Malaysia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade today, the White House said Malaysia has committed to refrain from banning or imposing quotas on exports of critical minerals or rare earth elements to the US.

"Malaysia has committed to ensuring no restrictions are imposed on the sale of rare earth magnets to US companies," it said.

It also said that Washington and Putrajaya have committed to strengthening economic and nati...