Najib arrives in Tokyo for working visit

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak arrived in the Japanese capital this morning for a four-day working visit in conjunction with the summit marking the 40th anniversary of Asean-Japan dialogue relations. 

Najib, who has a tight schedule during his stay in Tokyo, and his wife Rosmah Mansor arrived at the Haneda International Airport at 6.15am local time (5.15 am Malaysian time). 

The prime minister and his wife were received by Deputy Foreign Minister Hamzah Zainuddin, Malaysian Ambassador to Japan Shaharuddin Md.Som and Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Shigeru Nakamura. 

Najib and Rosmah were later greeted by Malaysian Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Othman Hashim upon arrival at the New Otani Hotel, where they are staying during their visit. 

Najib kicks off his visit with a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe at the Japanese Prime Minister's Official Residence (Sori Kantei) here before both leaders proceed for a joint press conference and a private luncheon. 

At about 3pm, the prime minister is expected to receive top officials from Nikkei Inc, Sumitomo Corporation, Sekisui Chemical, Mitsui & Co Ltd, Kawasaki Heavy Industry Ltd and Toshiba Corp at the hotel. 

Najib to launch Tokyo branch of 1M4U

Najib is scheduled to meet Malaysian students in Japan and launch the Tokyo branch of the 1Malaysia for Youth (1M4U) at 7.30pm at the New Otani Hotel. 

Tomorrow, Najib is scheduled to deliver a keynote address and open the 32nd Conference of the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (Majeca) and the Japan-Malaysia Economic Association (Jameca). 

He will attend a tea reception at the Imperial Palace hosted by Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko to mark the summit. 

Later, Najib and Rosmah are scheduled to attend a dinner hosted by Abe and his wife, Akie Abe at the Prime Minister's official residence in Tokyo. 

On Saturday, Najib is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Asean-Japan Commemorative Summit at the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace and later attend a luncheon hosted by Keidanren (Federation of Economic Organisation and JCCI (Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry). 

The leaders of the 10 Asean nations and Japan are expected to re-emphasise their close and long-standing relations, besides signing three documents that outline programmes and activities to strengthen their relations at the summit.

These documents are the Vision Statement of Asean-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, its Implementation Plan, and the Joint Statement of the Asean-Japan Summit. 

Najib and Rosmah will attend a gala dinner on Saturday night before returning home on Sunday morning. 

Meanwhile, Rosmah will attend the Japan-Asean Students Summit at the TKP Akasaka Twin Tower tomorrow and travel to Mount Fuji Hotel on Saturday for an introduction to Japanese culture. 

- Bernama