Japan-Malaysia Relations

Prime Minister Najib, on behalf of Malaysia and as Chair of ASEAN and the East Asia Summit (EAS), welcomed Prime Minister Abe's visit to Malaysia. Prime Minister Abe noted that Prime Minister Najib visited Japan in May of this year, and that now he is visiting Malaysia himself, expressing his happiness that Japan-Malaysia relations will be further strengthened through these mutual visits. Prime Minister Abe also stated that he intends to cooperate with Malaysia to make the ASEAN-related Summit Meetings successful by all means.

(1) ASEAN, EAS

Prime Minister Abe offered his congratulations on the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and establishment of new integration targets. Prime Minister Abe also expressed support for a plan to strengthen the functions of the EAS, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and strengthen its discussions in the fields of politics and security. Prime Minister Abe explained that going forward also, Japan will continue to support initiatives for ASEAN integration in its entirety. Prime Minister Najib expressed gratitude for Japan's support for Malaysia's initiatives as the Chair country.

(2) North Korea, South China Sea

Prime Minister Abe explained that North Korea's nuclear and missile development violates United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and is a grave threat to the region and the international community, and the international community should send a unified message in order to strongly encourage North Korea to resolve outstanding issues of concern.
In addition, Prime Minister Abe expressed deep concerns about the situation in the South China Sea, where unilateral actions that change the status quo and heighten tensions are continuing, including large-scale land reclamation, the construction of outposts and their use for military purposes. Prime Minister Abe also stated that the reclamation itself could not be recognized as a fait accompli. In response, Prime Minister Najib commented that Japan's concerns are identical to the concerns that Malaysia has.

(1) Politics and security

Prime Minister Abe explained that the Legislation for Peace and Security that Japan has enacted recently will enable Japan to make greater international contributions in the security field through UN Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs) and logistical support for the peace and stability of the region, and Japan's foundation as a peace-loving nation in the 70 years since the end of World War II will remain intact. In response, Prime Minister Najib stated that Prime Minister Abe's explanation has given him a good understanding of Japan's aims in regard to this legislation, and he senses no concerns or issues whatsoever in Japan's intent of seeking to contribute to peace through PKOs in particular.

In addition, the two leaders shared the view that concrete defense cooperation will move ahead through an agreement on the transfer of defense equipment and technology and a memorandum of defense cooperation, and welcomed progress with cooperation through the Malaysian Peacekeeping Training Centre (MPTC).

(2) Maritime affairs

Prime Minister Abe explained that the Government of Japan has decided to commence a study toward realizing the provision of a ship-handling simulator to the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), and Prime Minister Najib expressed gratitude for support in enhancing Malaysia's maritime capacity.

(3) Economy, culture and people-to-people exchanges

Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan is promoting infrastructure cooperation based on the ''Partnership for Quality Infrastructure,'' and he once again conveyed his expectations that Malaysia will introduce the Shinkansen system for the Malaysia-Singapore high-speed railway development project. In response, the Malaysian side explained the process, etc., from here on, in the lead up to the tender.
In regard to the Look East Policy 2.0, the two leaders welcomed progress with cooperation between the two countries, including the holding of a preparatory meeting for a bilateral coordination meeting.

(1) Prime Minister Abe expressed gratitude for Malaysia's support in the elections for non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. Prime Minister Najib commented that the current UN should be reformed, and Malaysia will coordinate with Japan to achieve a UN that reflects the realities of the 21st Century.

(2) Prime Minister Abe explained that he intends to work together on the prompt signing and entry into force of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), on which an agreement in principle has been reached. Prime Minister Najib stated that Malaysia will coordinate with Japan, and in addition to advancing cooperation on investment and market access in particular, Malaysia hopes to expand the TPP in the Asia-Pacific region.