KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will arrive in Malaysia on Wednesday (July 9) to attend the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, and to co-host the Fourth Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV).
Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata told Bernama that the visit marks Iwaya’s first official trip to Malaysia since his appointment as Foreign Minister in October last year.
The visit emphasises Japan’s strong support for Asean centrality and highlights the close bilateral ties between Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur.
“This visit reflects Japan’s deep engagement with Southeast Asia and our commitment to working closely with Malaysia on key regional and global issues — from humanitarian support and energy transition to education and maritime security,” he said in an exclusive interview yesterday.
Malaysia is hosting the 58th AMM at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from Tuesday (July 8) to Friday (July 11).
Malaysia took over the role of Asean chair on January 1 this year from Laos.
This year is Malaysia’s fifth Asean chairmanship, having assumed the role in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
Japan became Asean's first dialogue partner in 1973, formalising the partnership in 1977.
Over the decades, Japan has steadily expanded its engagement with Asean, joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in 2004, appointing a dedicated ambassador to Asean in 2010, and establishing its permanent mission in Jakarta the following year.
In 2023, Asean and Japan elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting Tokyo’s enduring support for Asean centrality and regional cooperation across political, economic and socio-cultural pillars.
Among Japan’s key regional initiatives is CEAPAD, launched in 2013 to coordinate support for Palestine’s development.
Malaysia has been a consistent participant in CEAPAD since its inception, reflecting its longstanding commitment to the Palestinian cause.
CEAPAD IV, co-hosted by Japan and Malaysia, will be held in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
— Bernama
