Japan-Malaysia Relations

November 12, 2017
Photograph of the Prime Minister shaking hands with the
Prime Minister of Malaysia (Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Photograph of the Japan-Malaysia Summit Meeting
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)

On November 12, commencing at around 5:20 p.m. (local time, 6:20 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting with The Honourable Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Malaysia, during his visit to Manila, the Philippines to attend the ASEAN-related Summit Meetings. The overview is as follows.

1. Bilateral Relations

Prime Minister Abe stated that in this year of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations he would like to further deepen the “strategic partnership” between Japan and Malaysia. He also welcomed progress in the area of Halal-related cooperation and stated that Japan seeks to strengthen cooperation in various fields.

In response, Prime Minister Najib expressed appreciation for Japan’s leadership in the forum of the TPP, which had led to agreement at the ministerial level. Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan will engage in cooperation in order to realize the early entry into force of the TPP.

The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in various areas including highspeed railway and defense cooperation, and Prime Minister Najib expressed his appreciation for Japan’s cooperation in the area of maritime safety and security, including the provision of patrol vessels, noting that Japan’s world-class maintenance and management technologies are highly valued. He also stated that Malaysia would like to advance Halal-related cooperation.

2. Regional Situation

The two leaders exchanged opinions on matters concerning the regional situation, including North Korea and the South China Sea, and confirmed that Japan and Malaysia will continue to cooperate closely.


Back to Japan-Malaysia Relations