Japan Lauds Malaysia's ASEAN Leadership in Addressing Regional Security Challenges

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- Japan has lauded Malaysia, the 2024 ASEAN Chair, for its growing leadership in addressing regional security challenges.

Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Noriyuki Shikata said Tokyo reiterated strong support for Malaysia.

On the bilateral front, Shikata also highlighted the growing importance of Japan-Malaysia relations, spurred by the elevation of their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year.

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He noted that Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s decision to make Malaysia his first overseas visit in January this year further reflects the importance Tokyo places on its relationship with Kuala Lumpur.

The ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to deepening its defence posture and working closely with Malaysia to safeguard regional peace and security,  in line with a rules-based international order.

“In the face of unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, particularly in the East and South China Seas, Japan is steadily advancing the fundamental reinforcement of our defence capabilities,” he said during the celebration of the 71st anniversary of  Japan Self-Defence Forces (JSDF) Day, held at his official residence here on Tuesday evening.

Shikata said Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy - which aligns with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) - seeks to promote cooperation over conflict by upholding international law.

He said the JSDF play a vital role in supporting this vision by bolstering deterrence, improving response capabilities, and fostering deeper security collaboration. 

On Japan-Malaysia security cooperation, he said the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force and the Royal Malaysian Navy have conducted three iterations of the bilateral exercise “MALPAN” in the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea. 

He said the inaugural Japan-Malaysia Defence Industry Forum held in Port Klang in April has paved the way for enhanced industry engagement.

On broader regional developments, Shikata urged for de-escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict, reiterating Japan’s opposition to the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

He also raised grave concerns about the aggravating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Japan, Malaysia, and Palestine will co-host a ministerial meeting under the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) in July during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Post Ministerial Conferences.

-- BERNAMA