Press Releases
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida Pays a Courtesy Call on the Prime Minister of Malaysia
On May 25, commencing at around 4:00 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, who is on an official working visit to Japan. The overview is as follows.
1. Opening remarks, bilateral relations
(1) Minister Kishida welcomed Prime Minister Najib to Japan, and welcomed that cooperation between the two countries is steadily deepening the foundation of the Look East Policy (LEP) and closer economic relations. In addition, based on Minister Kishida expressed respect for Prime Minister Najib serving as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chair in the milestone year of the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Minister Kishida stated that he intends to cooperate with H.E. Dato' Sri Anifah bin Aman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, toward the success of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting this summer. In response, Prime Minister Najib welcomed the deepening relationship between the two countries , including through the implementation of the Look East Policy 2.0 (LEP 2.0).
(2) Minister Kishida conveyed his expectations for Malaysia introducing the Shinkansen system for its High Speed Railway Project.
2. Challenges in the regional and international community
(1) Minister Kishida explained , Japan’s intention to continue to contribute to the international community as a peace-loving nation. Minister Kishida also stated that Japan would continue to attach importance to efforts towards nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation marking the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings. Minister Kishida also expressed his hope for concrete results in United Nations Security Council reform this year, marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Prime Minister Najib once again expressed his support for Japan’s permanent seat on the United NationsSecurity Council.
(2) Minister Kishida expressed his intention to deepen coordination with Malaysia in the field of peace-building, and explained that the High-Level Seminar on Peacebuilding, National Reconciliation and Democratization in Asia will be held in Tokyo in June this year.
(3) Minister Kishida expressed concerns about the current situation in the South China Sea,and conveyed his support for ASEAN’s efforts. In addition, Minister Kishida explained that Japan is prepared to contribute to the Rohingya boat people issue and Prime Minister Najibstated that Malaysia welcomes support from the international community, including Japan.