Meeting Japanese PM, Anwar Ibrahim Discusses Many Things From Investment To Gaza

Screenshot of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (right) with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gave a joint press conference after a meeting in Putrajaya, Sunday (5/11/2023). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met in Putrajaya today to discuss a number of issues related to strengthening strategic cooperation in various fields to support peace and humanity for Gaza. In a joint press conference after meeting Kishida, Anwar said Japan contributed to building the Malaysian industry and in 2023 Japan's foreign direct investment commitment (FDI) which reached 30 billion Malaysian ringgit (Rp98.88 trillion). This figure is very impressive. Japanese companies are committed to increasing, extending, issuing their investment in Malaysia with the presence of Prime Minister Kishida. Both, according to Anwar, also discussed energy transitions and security cooperation, including collaboration in the defense and maritime industry sectors. The two leaders also discussed the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Although the two have different views, Anwar appreciates Kishida's commitment because the main thing is to fully support peace and humanity in Gaza. Regarding the release of processed water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, Anwar said Malaysia was satisfied with Japan's guarantees and support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding the impact of minimal radioactiveity. However, he urged Japan to continue to consider Malaysia's views, suggestions and concerns and other countries regarding the impact of the nuclear waste. Kishida himself said Malaysia and Japan worked closely together to maintain regional security and stability as well as the international community. In bilateral cooperation, he confirmed three priority areas, namely security and defense cooperation by strengthening strategic communication between the two countries, as well as accelerating and coordinating the implementation of the Official Security Assistance (OSA). He said the two countries agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation, including joint exercises with coast guard forces. The meeting of the two also discussed the certainty of stable energy supply from Malaysia to Japan. Cooperation in the development of human resources including people to people exchange through the opening of the Tsukuba University branch in Malaysia in September 2024. Regarding efforts to prevent the spread of the Israeli and Palestinian conflicts, he said Japan's position ensures interested parties must follow international law to prevent conflicts from spreading to neighboring countries and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

Kishida made a visit to Malaysia for two days from 4-5 November 2023 for the first time as prime minister.