(AFP) The government today vowed to help the United States combat terrorism and described bilateral ties with its key trading nation as "important".

"Yes, I informed them of our position. To support (the US) in their fight against terrorism," Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar told reporters.

The police Friday said they arrested 13 Muslim militants allegedly linked to Zacarias Moussaoui, a Frenchman now on trial for his alleged role in the September 11 attacks on the US.

Earlier, Syed Hamid met with 12 chief of staff of US congress representatives at his office in Putrajaya to discuss issues linked to terrorism and trade.

The US officials arrived in Malaysia Sunday for a seven-day tour and are expected meet Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad during their visit.

Spill over effect

Syed Hamid said the September terror attacks on the US has had an effect on the Malaysian economy.

"Of course there are spill over effects on us. What ever happens to the US will have an effect on countries like Malaysia which exports a great deal to the US," he said.

Almost 21 percent of Malaysia's exports go to the United States and economists have predicted that trade will decline further due to the effects of the US recession.

Electrical and electronics products are Malaysia's top revenue earner, accounting for 59.2 percent of total exports.

Syed Hamid said since Malaysia was a trading nation it needed a lot of friends and "we consider our relations with the US as an important relationship".

"What is important is during the dialogue, the atmosphere was cordial and friendly," he added.