At the summit in Malaysia, Japanese media said, “Cooperation confirmed to maintain international order with China in mind.”
In Putrajaya, Malaysia, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met and shook hands on January 10.
According to Bernama and Kyodo News, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in security, economy, and energy during the summit. They discussed regional security and a firm supply chain establishment.
The two prime ministers talked about issues such as the East China Sea, South China Sea, the Middle East, and Myanmar, agreeing to communicate closely and work together to achieve peace and stability.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the two countries decided to enhance cooperation in security, economy, disaster prevention, and human resource development.
They welcomed rapid progress in deputy minister-level consultations and diplomatic and defense strategic dialogues, agreeing to promote maritime and cyber security cooperation.
Additionally, they aimed to work on supply chain enhancement, develop rare earth elements, share Japan’s expertise in disaster risk management, and explore connections between higher education institutions.
Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized in a joint press conference that deepening ties with ASEAN member countries, including Malaysia, is a top priority for Japanese diplomacy, and he stressed the expansion of security cooperation with Malaysia.
Prime Minister Anwar expressed his hope for collaboration with Japan in energy transition, digitization, and education sectors.
Japan and Malaysia, among Southeast Asian countries, face territorial disputes with China in the East and South China Seas.
Kyodo News evaluated that “the leaders of both countries confirmed the expansion of cooperation to maintain an international order based on the rule of law, keeping in mind China’s increasing hegemonic actions in the East and South China Seas.”
Japan is the fourth-largest investor in Malaysia and one of the country’s four major trading partners.
Both countries agreed to elevate their diplomatic relations to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ by December 2023.
This is Prime Minister Ishiba’s first visit abroad for bilateral diplomacy since taking office last October. He arrived in Malaysia on a two-day visit and is scheduled to hold a summit with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on the 11th.