NEW JAPANESE PM TAKAICHI SEEKS STRONGER COOPERATION WITH MALAYSIA, ASEAN

By Zarul Effendi Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- Japan is seeking to deepen cooperation with Malaysia and other ASEAN member states on key regional and global security issues ahead of newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's maiden visit to Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit.

The visit, which coincides with Malaysia's chairmanship of the annual summit, underscores Tokyo's commitment to strengthen engagement with ASEAN amid growing geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata said that Takaichi's visit would be an important opportunity to highlight Japan's continued support for ASEAN centrality and Malaysia's leadership as ASEAN Chair this year.

“Prime Minister Takaichi's visit will be an opportunity to discuss shared priorities and reaffirm Japan's support for Malaysia's role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview on Friday.

Sanae Takaichi, 64, made history as Japan's first woman prime minister after securing 237 votes in the 465-seat Lower House, thereby winning the parliamentary vote without the need for a runoff.

Takaichi, who is also the President of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was elected after the party reached an agreement with the Japan Innovation Party to form a coalition government.

Shikata said that Japan, under the new administration, remains deeply concerned about security tensions in Asia, particularly in the South China Sea and East China Sea, where territorial disputes continue to test regional stability.

During her visit, Takaichi is expected to meet Malaysian leaders to explore ways to enhance collaboration in maritime security, economic resilience, green transition, and humanitarian affairs under the ASEAN framework.

Shikata added that Japan and Malaysia are also expected to exchange views on maintaining freedom of navigation and upholding international law in addressing maritime disputes.

The ambassador said that Tokyo hopes to expand cooperation with Kuala Lumpur in areas such as digital connectivity, disaster risk reduction, and climate resilience, in line with ASEAN's efforts to build a stable and sustainable region.

The 47th ASEAN Summit, chaired by Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, is expected to focus on strengthening ASEAN unity, advancing regional economic integration, and addressing emerging security challenges.

The summit will also bring together ASEAN Dialogue Partners, including Japan, the United States, China, South Korea, and Australia, to discuss cooperation on regional peace, sustainable growth, and strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Takaichi's participation will mark her first official visit to Malaysia since taking office and is seen as a reaffirmation of Japan's commitment to working closely with Malaysia and ASEAN to promote a peaceful, stable, and rules-based regional order.

The 47th ASEAN Summit and its related meetings will take place from Oct 26 to 28.

-- BERNAMA