Malaysia Ready To Deepen Cooperation With Japan In Rare Earth, Critical Mineral Sectors

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is ready to deepen its cooperation with Japan in the development of rare earth elements (REE), critical minerals, and other mineral-related sectors, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said Malaysia also welcomes Japan’s participation and investment across the entire value chain, from upstream exploration and sustainable mining utilising Japanese technology to midstream refining and separation processes and downstream manufacturing of high-value products.

“The collaboration could also extend to joint research and development (R&D) initiatives to enhance innovation and technological advancement in the sector,” he said during his bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here today.

Takaichi, who is the president of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, was elected prime minister last Tuesday (Oct 21), becoming the country’s first female leader. This visit marks her maiden trip to Kuala Lumpur.

Anwar also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral engagement at all levels to further enhance cooperation and mutual understanding between the two countries.

The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to Japan for its continued support and assistance to ASEAN since 1973, particularly its steadfast commitment to upholding ASEAN Centrality.

He noted that there has been substantial progress under Malaysia’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Japan, which covers five key areas: peace and security; economic prosperity; science, technology, innovation, and the environment; society, culture, and people-to-people exchange; and regional and global cooperation.

Meanwhile, Anwar expressed his appreciation to Japan for its Official Security Assistance (OSA) contribution, which includes 14 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), two road-cleaning trucks and seven rescue boats, valued at RM12.63 million, to be fully delivered to the Malaysian Armed Forces this year.

Regarding maritime cooperation, he expressed appreciation for the joint exercises conducted between the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Japan Coast Guard, describing them as a strategic form of collaboration and an important initiative to enhance regional maritime security.

On the situation in Palestine, Anwar acknowledged Japan’s assistance through the Conference on Cooperation Among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD).

-- BERNAMA