Protesters are seen during a demonstration against the protest law in front of the presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, on April 26, 2014. Political activists protested on Saturday against the protest law that bans demonstrations without a prior notice. [Photo: Xinhua]

US President Barack Obama is now in Malaysia, the first such visit by a US president in nearly half a century.

He has told Malaysian leaders that Southeast Asia plays an important role in Washington's efforts to forge deeper ties with the Asia-Pacific region.

"We all share basic human aspirations: to live in dignity and peace, to shape our own destiny, to be able to make a living and work hard and support a family. … These are aspirations that I believe illuminate a new era of partnership between the United States and Malaysia."

Obama was welcomed by Malaysian King Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah at the Istana Negara, the National Palace, in Kuala Lumpur.

Obama opened his long-awaited visit to Malaysia following stops in Japan and South Korea, and ahead of a visit to the Philippines.

His trip comes at a tense time for the region, where neighboring countries have engaged in a set of territorial disputes.

As part of his "pivot to Asia" strategy, Obama is expected to sign a security agreement with the Philippines clearing the way for an increased US troop presence there.