By Shikata Noriyuki

On 22 September 2025, I attended the handover ceremony for UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) provided under Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA), with the presence of His Excellency Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Defence Minister of Malaysia.

Malaysia is one of the first recipient countries under OSA. This cooperation will further elevate the already close relationship between Japan and Malaysia. This important occasion prompts a reflection on the journey of our cooperation.

Japan has consistently followed the path of a peace-loving nation since the end of World War II, and has been promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. This path, rooted in Japan's pacifist constitution, is the cornerstone of Japan's foreign policy. It has also guided our efforts in building friendly and trusted relations with Malaysia, which shares fundamental principles and values with Japan as both a trading and maritime nation based on trust and friendship.

The foundation of Japan-Malaysia relations is people-to-people exchanges. Since Malaysia initiated its Look East Policy in 1982, over 28,000 Malaysians have studied or trained in Japan through this policy. Our cooperation through the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) and Tsukuba University's Malaysia campus is cultivating future leaders who will play a pivotal role in shaping our future bilateral relationship.

Cultural and economic exchanges

In addition to education, cultural and economic exchanges are equally vital. Malaysia's active participation in the Osaka Expo 2025, with its pavilion themed "Weaving a Future in Harmony" has been a resounding success, particularly the phenomenal popularity of the “roti canai” on offer – a truly delightful aspect.

In the economic sphere, Japan has been a major investor and trading partner over the last five decades, fostering mutual growth. Japanese investments have significantly propelled Malaysia's industrialisation, creating good jobs and transferring sophisticated technology, thereby contributing substantially to Malaysia's economic development. Malaysian LNG and semiconductors have become indispensable to daily life in Japan.

The principles of sustainability and innovation underpinning Malaysia's “MADANI” resonate strongly with Japan. We will work closely together with Malaysia, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, to achieve decarbonisation, economic growth, and energy security simultaneously through the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative.

In recent years, the international security environment has become increasingly challenging, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. Unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion are unacceptable anywhere in the world.

Japan is committed to fostering global cooperation rather than division and conflict. Strengthening cooperation with Malaysia, situated at the pivotal location of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, in the areas of maritime security and safety is vital for realising a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).

Enhancing Japan-Malaysia collaboration

To this end, Japan is enhancing its collaboration with Malaysia through OSA, Official Development Assistance (ODA), and cooperation by the Japan Self-Defence Forces and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG).

Since the elevation of our bilateral relationship to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023, our security cooperation has made significant strides. Specifically, Japan-Malaysia bilateral naval exercises have already been conducted three times this year, building a practical cooperative relationship.

This contributes to enhancing the defence capabilities of both countries and significantly strengthening regional security. Additionally, Japan has also provided patrol vessels and technical assistance for personnel training to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

Joint exercise between the JCG and MMEA was also held in June this year. These efforts support Malaysia in strengthening its ability to safeguard its maritime interests and address illegal activities, contributing significantly to stability and security of the Indo-Pacific region.

Japan actively pursues stronger engagement with ASEAN. In addition to cooperation through the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), the Japan-ASEAN Defence Ministerial Initiative for Enhanced Defence Cooperation (JASMINE) facilitates close cooperation with ASEAN member states, including Malaysia, to strengthen defence cooperation.

We provide training programmes for Malaysian defence personnel in areas such as cybersecurity, disaster relief and space to support the enhancement of Malaysia’s security experts' capabilities. In this way, Japan has contributed to regional security, and these efforts will be further strengthened and developed under the framework of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN Chair

Japan highly appreciates Malaysia's leadership as ASEAN Chair in addressing international and regional challenges, and is committed to providing unwavering support.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, Japan shares serious concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. During the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' Meetings in July, Japan, together with Malaysia and Palestine, co-hosted the Ministerial Meeting of the Conference of East Asian Countries for Development Cooperation in Palestine (CEAPAD).

We also highly value Malaysia's leading role as Chair which led to the ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. Japan intends to work closely with Malaysia towards easing tensions and ensuring the steady implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

Japan's cooperation with Malaysia is not mere assistance but a true partnership based on mutual benefit, significantly contributing to the realisation of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. We are committed to further strengthening our collaboration with Malaysia and working together to achieve a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

-- BERNAMA

Shikata Noriyuki is the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia.