Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has chosen Malaysia as the venue to launch his diplomatic engagements for 2025 and embark on his first bilateral overseas trip since taking office last October, a gesture underscoring the deep and strategic bond between the two nations.
“My diplomacy work in 2025 formally kicks off here in Malaysia,” he penned an exclusive article shared with Bernama ahead of his visit, expressing his honour as the visit coincides with Malaysia assuming the ASEAN chairmanship.
Ishiba's visit reflects the enduring ties between Malaysia and Japan, a relationship that has deepened over decades and was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in December 2023.
This elevated partnership, Ishiba noted, has fostered robust cooperation in a wide range of areas including security, green transformation (GX), and international collaboration.
During the visit, Ishiba said he aims to update the cooperation as “Comprehensive Strategic Partners” and build a more multi-layered relationship through his meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Amid an increasingly unpredictable international landscape marked by growing confrontations and divisions, Ishiba emphasised the importance of collaboration between Japan and Malaysia, both committed to upholding the rule of law in realising a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“Such cooperation is essential for the peace and prosperity of both nations and the broader region," he said.
Ishiba reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN Chair, particularly in addressing pressing international and regional challenges, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
He expressed Japan’s grave concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and noted that Japan has provided humanitarian assistance totalling approximately US$230 million to the Palestinian people since October 7, 2023.
Ishiba also highlighted Japan’s collaboration with Malaysia in agricultural reconstruction in Palestine, leveraging Malaysia’s expertise in tropical agriculture.
He said Japan launched the Conference on Cooperation among East Asia Cooperation for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) in 2013 as a unique initiative to support Palestine.
"We hope to make the most of this framework together with Malaysia to contribute to the stabilisation of the situation in the Middle East," he said