KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 1 -- Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to purchase a total of 26 Boeing aircraft in two phases, a deal estimated to be worth close to US$19 billion, said Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

The purchase is part of ongoing commercial agreements with the United States and was highlighted during Malaysia's recent trade negotiations.

"We made some commercial commitments, which have already been announced, but we reinforced them. One is the Boeing aircraft purchase," Zafrul said at a press conference at Miti headquarters today.

He explained that the first phase involves 13 aircraft, valued at US$9.5 billion, with a second phase involving an additional 13 aircraft of ...