Japan-Malaysia Relations

(1) At the outset, Prime Minister Abe welcomed the visit of Prime Minister Najib to Japan, and explained that Japan puts very strong emphasis on its relationship with Malaysia and hopes to cooperate in strengthening the Japan-Malaysia relations based on the “strategic partnership” ahead of next year’s 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

In response, Prime Minister Najib stated that next year is a milestone year, and expressed his hope that the two countries will implement various programs and strengthen the strategic relationship that continuously provides mutual benefits.

(2) Prime Minister Abe explained that Japan intends to continue to proactively support Malaysia’s development of capacity in maritime safety and security, including for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and welcomes the signing of the exchange of notes related to the provision of patrol vessels. He also expressed his intention to strengthen cooperation in defense equipment and technology, including acceleration of efforts toward early conclusion of an agreement concerning the transfer of defense equipment and technology, and cooperation and exchanges among defense authorities.

In response, Prime Minister Najib stated that Malaysia truly appreciates Japan’s provision of two patrol vessels and that they will contribute to the enhancement of Malaysia’s capacity in maritime safety and security.

(3) Additionally, Prime Minister Abe expressed his strong hopes for Malaysia to adopt Japan’s shinkansen for its high-speed rail project. Prime Minister Abe also welcomed the signing of memoranda related to promotion of investments and trade, the realization of an agreement in principle on memoranda in the telecommunication and healthcare sectors, and the steady progress in cooperation related to the Look East Policy 2.0, and expressed his intention to promote exchange in a broad range of areas.

In response, Prime Minister Najib noted that he places a high value on Japan’s shinkansen in terms of its reliability and safety, and stated that Japan’s proposal would be a strong bid and that Malaysia will seriously evaluate it in the international bidding process.

(4) The two leaders exchanged views regarding the situation in the South China Sea, and confirmed the importance of rule of law and cooperation among the international community regarding the South China Sea issue, as a shared global issue. Additionally, both leaders agreed that the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile issues has moved into a new stage, and that stronger pressure should be applied to North Korea through the adoption of a new Security Council resolution and strict enforcement of related Security Council resolutions. The two leaders also confirmed their intent to work together for an early resolution of the abductions issue.

(5) Furthermore, the two leaders agreed to work together for the early entry into force of the TPP.

• (a) Exchange of notes related to the grant of patrol vessels, etc.
• (b) Exchange of notes related to grant aid for the Economic and Social Development Programme to enhance maritime safety and security
• (c) Memorandum of cooperation between the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
• (d) Memorandum of cooperation between the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)