Talks between Hon. Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Malaysia, and Mr. Taro Aso, Minister for Foreign Affairs

March 6, 2007

For about 30 minutes from around 19:20 on March 5 (Mon), Mr. Taro Aso, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held talks at Iikura House in Tokyo with Hon. Dato' Sri Najib, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, who is currently visiting Japan as Guest of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The gist of their talks is as follows:

On the outset of the talks, Foreign Minister Aso stated that Japan and Malaysia celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year and that Japan would cooperate with Malaysia to make it a year worthy of the name "Japan-Malaysia Friendship Year." Dato' Sri Najib said Malaysia also attaches importance to this year as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and he wants to give more vitality to the bilateral relations between Japan and Malaysia.
Foreign Minister Aso said he expected Malaysia to work more actively to achieve the opening of a Malaysia-Japan International University of Technology, whose establishment has been prepared by experts of both countries, including securing the necessary budget. Dato' Sri Najib said that he expected that the university would develop into an international university of technology as a hub in the ASEAN, with both countries cooperating closely.
Foreign Minister Aso pointed out the importance of closer cooperation between the two countries toward the smooth implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of Malaysia for an Economic Partnership, which entered into force in July 2006. Dato' Sri Najib indicated his expectation of further increase in investment and trade under the Agreement as well as the progress of technology transfer from Japan.
They also exchanged views on such issues as counter-terrorism, anti-piracy action, and the regional situation including that involving North Korea.

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