JAPAN and Malaysia have reiterated their strong commitment to enhancing strategic cooperation across a wide array of sectors, including security, trade, sustainability, and education, as both nations celebrate over six decades of robust bilateral relations.
This reaffirmation of ties was highlighted during a reception held in conjunction with the 65th birthday celebrations of Japan's Emperor, which took place on Wednesday evening, February 26, in Malaysia, Bernama reported today.
The event was attended by Economic Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tan Sri Johari Abdul, among other distinguished guests.
In his remarks at the reception, Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Noriyuki Shikata, said several key developments that underscore the growing partnership between the two countries.
"Earlier this year, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited Malaysia for his first official bilateral visit since taking office. Both Prime Minister Ishiba and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed their enthusiasm for the positive progress in strategic dialogues between our two governments, as well as the commencement of joint bilateral exercises involving the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Forces and the Royal Malaysian Navy," Shikata said.
Ambassador Shikata highlighted Japan's continued commitment to the Free and Open Indo-Pacific initiative, reaffirming Japan's role in contributing to regional peace and stability.
"Japan is fully committed to enhancing our security cooperation with Malaysia. As part of this effort, we will increase our Official Security Assistance (OSA) to Malaysia, which will include the provision of advanced surveillance and monitoring equipment," Bernama reported him saying.
The ambassador also drew attention to Japan’s significant economic engagement with Malaysia, noting that Japan remains a major investor in the Southeast Asian country.
"Japan’s direct investments in Malaysia have surpassed RM100 billion as of 2024, a clear indication of our strong economic ties," Shikata said.
The two countries are also intensifying their collaboration on sustainability initiatives, particularly in efforts aimed at achieving carbon neutrality.
This includes cooperative projects in Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS), as well as the adoption of hydrogen and ammonia as alternative fuels.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Shikata shared exciting news about an upcoming collaborative effort between Japan and Malaysia.
"During Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN this year, Japan and Malaysia will jointly co-host the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) summit and related ministerial meetings. I am also pleased to announce that Minister of Economy Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli will co-host the AZEC ministerial meeting later this year, promoting the initiatives of the AZEC together with Malaysia," he said.
In terms of cultural and educational exchanges, Ambassador Shikata highlighted the significant growth in the number of Malaysians visiting Japan, which has increased nearly sevenfold in the past three years, from 74,000 to over 500,000.
"This surge in tourism reflects the growing ties between our peoples, and we are proud to witness Malaysia’s strong engagement with Japan," Shikata noted.
He also praised Malaysia's active participation in the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo, which is themed ‘Designing Future Societies for Our Lives.’ "This participation exemplifies Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability and diversity, core values that align with Japan’s vision for the future," he said.
One of the most significant milestones in the educational exchange between the two nations was the establishment of the University of Tsukuba’s branch campus in Malaysia last year.
"This new campus marks an important development, allowing Malaysian students to earn a Japanese university degree while also providing opportunities for Japanese students to study in Malaysia.
“This reflects our ‘Look-at-Each-Other’ policy, which seeks to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between our countries," Ambassador Shikata explained.
On the subject of Japan’s expatriate community in Malaysia, Shikata noted that the number of Japanese nationals had decreased to 20,000 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, with the resurgence of bilateral exchanges, the community is expected to rebound as travel restrictions ease and connections between Japan and Malaysia strengthen.
The reception also served as a platform to showcase Japan’s premium products and cutting-edge technologies, providing attendees with a glimpse into the country’s innovations in various sectors.
Cultural displays, including anime and Japanese cuisine, were also featured, offering a taste of Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
Through these collaborative efforts and milestones, Japan and Malaysia continue to build a stronger, more dynamic partnership that will benefit both nations and the broader region. - February 28, 2025
