Malaysian, Japanese premiers hold talks to boost ties

ISTANBUL

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosted his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba in Kuala Lumpur on Friday for wide-ranging talks aimed at strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

The visit marks Ishiba’s first overseas bilateral trip since taking office last year.

High-level discussions covered key areas, including energy, security, and education.

“This bilateral meeting is one of the most extensive I’ve experienced, underscoring the seriousness with which Prime Minister Ishiba views Malaysia as a key partner. It is a testament to our shared commitment to collaborate on a number of critical issues,” Anwar said at a joint news conference with the visiting leader.

Kuala Lumpur is the first stop on Ishiba’s two-nation tour, which will also take him to Indonesia.

The visit holds added significance as Malaysia assumed the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) earlier this month.

"It is one of the utmost priorities for Japan's diplomacy to deepen ties" with Malaysia and other ASEAN members, Ishiba told reporters alongside Anwar.

ASEAN is a regional bloc of 10 Southeast Asian nations focused on promoting political and economic stability.

“As the international community becomes increasingly uncertain, Japan wants to place greater value on our relations with Southeast Asia,” Ishiba said before departing for Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

He described Malaysia as a “bridge” between Southeast Asia and the Middle East, adding that he and Anwar discussed the situation in Gaza, where Israel’s ongoing attacks have killed thousands of Palestinians.

The two leaders “agreed to work together toward peace and stability,” according to Kyodo News.

Anwar said Malaysia will support Japan’s initiative to co-chair a ministerial meeting in July focused on cooperation among East Asian countries for Palestine’s development.

“It is essentially the issue of reconstruction of Gaza and Palestine. And it is very meaningful to us in Malaysia … including (for) Muslims throughout the world,” Anwar said, according to his office.

The two countries elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership last year.

Japan was Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner in 2023, with bilateral trade totaling about $34 billion.

Malaysia is a major exporter of liquefied natural gas to Japan, which faces a significant energy deficit.

Tokyo will also “expand security cooperation with Malaysia in such fields as cybersecurity,” Ishiba said.