Japan, Malaysia to Promote Security Cooperation
Kuala Lumpur, Jan. 10 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, confirmed Friday that their countries will promote cooperation in the security field, as well as in economic areas such as decarbonization and energy.
In their meeting at the Malaysian prime minister's office near Kuala Lumpur, the two leaders agreed to coordinate for a free and open Indo-Pacific region and to closely communicate over the situations in the East and South China seas, bearing in mind China's growing hegemonic moves.
"Strengthening ties with Southeast Asia is one of the top priorities for Japanese diplomacy," Ishiba told a joint press conference with Anwar after their meeting. "We would like to work even more closely with Malaysia, this year's chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)."
During his talks with Anwar, Ishiba said that this year is an extremely important one for deciding whether the world will move toward cooperation, rather than confrontation and division, and rebuild peace. Anwar emphasized his eagerness to work together in the digital, defense and energy fields.
The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in the maritime field, including bilateral coast guard ties, and to work closely through the strategic dialogue that started in December and Japan's official security assistance framework for providing defense equipment to like-minded countries.
They also agreed to step up relations in the field of cybersecurity.
At the press conference, Anwar expressed his hope that Japan and Malaysia will continue to join hands in the field of renewable energy. The two leaders shared views on economic cooperation, such as under the Asia Zero Emission Community framework on decarbonization.
Elsewhere in their talks, Ishiba and Anwar confirmed that their countries will work together on support for Palestine in light of Israel's continued fighting in the Palestinian territory of Gaza.
Ishiba's visit to Malaysia marks his first overseas trip since he took office in October, except for a tour to South America to attend international conferences in November. Anwar welcomed the importance Japan attaches to Malaysia.
The Japanese government views Malaysia, this year's ASEAN chair, as key to diplomacy with Global South developing and emerging countries.
On Saturday, Ishiba is scheduled to hold talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Indonesia.
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