United States Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel arrived today for a three-day visit in what observers say is an effort to reaffirm long-standing defence ties with Malaysia.

chuck hagel The aircraft carrying the American VIP landed at the Subang air base here at about 3.40pm. On hand to welcome him was Deputy Defence Minister Abdul Rahim Bakri.

Reports said the visit was at the invitation of Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein during their meeting at the 12th Asia Security Summit in Singapore last June.

Hagel ( left ) is expected to meet Prime Minister Najib Razak as well as Hishammuddin in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.

Hagel took office as his country's 24th defence secretary on Feb 27, becoming the first enlisted combat veteran to lead the Department of Defence.

The last visit by a US defence secretary to Malaysia was by Robert Gates in 2010.

- Bernama