Anwar, Kishida announce Malaysia-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership

Anwar Ibrahim shaking hands with Fumio Kishida at the start of bilateral talks at the Japanese prime minister’s office in Tokyo today. (Bernama pic)

TOKYO: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, issued a joint statement on the elevation of Malaysia-Japan ties to a strategic comprehensive partnership here today.

The statement was issued before both leaders witnessed the signing and exchange of notes of the official security assistance grant by Japan that will provide monitoring and surveillance equipment for Malaysia.

Both leaders also witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of cooperation on space development and application between the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Before the announcement and the signing ceremony, Anwar and Kishida had a brief bilateral meeting.

Anwar said Malaysia is appreciative of Japan’s commitment to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, since the 1980s that had contributed to the growth of the region.

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