Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was given a formal welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex today during his first official visit to Malaysia since taking office in October last year. Arriving at 9 a.m., he was greeted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with national anthems of both nations played during the ceremony. Ishiba inspected a guard of honour led by Mejar Arifuddin Mohd Yusuf, comprising three officers and 103 personnel from the Royal Ranger Regiment (Ceremonial).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Cabinet members, foreign diplomats, and senior officials attended the event. Ishiba signed the guest book before holding bilateral discussions with Anwar.
According to Wisma Putra, the leaders are set to review Malaysia-Japan relations, focusing on trade, investment, human resource development, and energy cooperation. They will also discuss regional and international issues, including the Middle East, before addressing a joint press conference. Anwar will host a luncheon at Seri Perdana in Ishiba’s honour.
Malaysia and Japan share strong economic ties, elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in December 2023. Japan is Malaysia’s fourth-largest foreign investor in manufacturing, with RM105.2 billion (US$30.4 billion) in investments and over 344,996 jobs generated. Total trade between both nations reached RM156.75 billion (US$34.41 billion) in 2023. #TAZHALMEDIA
