Japan-Malaysia Relations

• (1) Introduction
  Minister Saifuddin welcomed Minister Hayashi's visit on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Malaysia and the 40th anniversary of the Look East Policy and stated that he attached great importance to relations with Japan and would like to elevate it to a higher level. In response, Minister Hayashi stated that, as the importance of a rules-based international order increases, he would like to further promote the cooperation with Malaysia as a strategic partner toward the realization of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific"(FOIP), referring to Russia's aggression against Ukraine and North Korea's launch of ballistic missiles which flew over the Japanese territory.
• (2) Bilateral Relations
  (a) Minister Hayashi spoke of the importance of deepening discussions on specific security cooperation and stated that Japan would like to deepen cooperation in areas such as maritime security including third country training and economic security as well as cooperation in economic issues including energy and climate change, and the two Ministers concurred to comprehensively develop the bilateral relations.
  (b) Minister Saifuddin also stated that the government and people of Malaysia welcomed the further relaxation of Japan's border control measures very much and the two Ministers confirmed that they would take advantage of this opportunity to further deepen mutual understanding between the two countries through people-to-people exchanges including youth.
  (c) Furthermore, the two Ministers shared their recognition that the Look East Policy was the foundation of Malaysia's development and, amicable bilateral relations and concurred to continue to cooperate on the Look East Policy. Minister Hayashi requested continued cooperation for the early establishment of the branch campus of the University of Tsukuba and Minister Saifuddin expressed his expectations for the role of the branch campus and stated that he would like to continue to cooperate for its early establishment.
• (3) Cooperation in Regional and International Situations
  (a) With regards to the situation in Ukraine, Minister Hayashi stated that Russia's aggression against Ukraine including the purported "referenda" in Ukraine and the purported "incorporation" of Ukrainian regions by Russia infringe upon Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitute a violation of international law, and shall never be recognized, and the two Ministers confirmed that they would cooperate on the situation in Ukraine.
  (b) Regarding North Korea, Minister Hayashi explained that the launches of ballistic missiles at the extremely high frequency of seven times in the short period of time since the end of September, including the launch of a ballistic missile which flew over Japan on October 4 as well as the launch today on October 9, constitute grave and imminent threats to Japan’s national security and it also poses a clear and serious challenge to the international community. The two ministers concurred to coordinate on their response to North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues, as well as the abductions issue.
  (c) Minister Hayashi expressed his strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas by the rule-based and explained the importance of maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order and responding to economic coercion. The two Ministers exchanged the views on these issues.
  (d) Minister Hayashi welcomed the completion of the domestic procedures and becoming a party of the CPTPP. The two Ministers agreed to work together to maintain the high standards of the CPTPP agreement, which is the cornerstone of a free and fair economic order in the region.
  (e) The two Ministers also confirmed to enhance the cooperation between the two countries on issues such as the situation in Myanmar, disarmament and non-proliferation, and strengthening of the functions of the United Nations, including Security Council reform.
  (f) Furthermore, with a view to the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation next year, the two Ministers affirmed their commitment to further develop bilateral relations by reactivating the face-to-face bilateral relations including people-to-people exchanges as Japan and Malaysia are managing to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Hayashi expressed his appreciation for Senior Minister Azmin's attendance in the state funeral of the late Shinzo Abe. The two Ministers also exchanged views on free trade such as the CPTPP and IPEF, stable energy supply including LNG, people-to-people exchanges including the business sector and others. With regards to the Look East Policy, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, Minister Hayashi expressed his appreciation to Senior Minister Azmin Ali for hosting a business seminar to commemorate its 40th anniversary in August this year. The two Ministers confirmed that they would continue to cooperate for the further development of the Look East Policy.

Minister Hayashi visited the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) and toured the institute which was established with the help of yen loans from the Japanese government. Professor Abd Latif, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of University technology Malaysia, and others gave an overview of a laboratory which offers the Japanese-style engineering education and expressed their deep appreciation for the Japanese government's support.

Reference: Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT)
MJIIT is an institute of UTM offering Japanese-style engineering education and it was established in 2011. The Japanese government has been cooperating with MJIIT through the provision of yen loans and the dispatch of Japanese academic staff. MJIIT is located in UTM, a national university in Malaysia.

Minister Hayashi laid flowers at the Japanese Cemetery in Kuala Lumpur. He also exchanged views with Malaysians who have studied in Japan. Furthermore, Minister Hayashi is scheduled to meet with a group of Japanese companies in Malaysia on the evening of October 9 and exchange views regarding Japan-Malaysia economic relations and the local business environment.