Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has said he supports free trade but small countries...

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has said he supports free trade but small countries like his should unite in a broad group to deal with challenges especially as America is turning protectionist.Speaking today at a Tokyo conference, Mahathir called for a free trade group that allows smaller and developing countries to not fall behind powerful countries.

Mahathir

The 92-year-old leader also urged other countries not to be cynical about North Korea's recent overtures toward denuclearization. He said Pyongyang's effort to improve its ties with the U.S. and abandon nuclear weapons would also help ease tension in Southeast Asia.A historic U.S.-North Korea summit is set for Tuesday in Singapore.