JAPAN'S VICE-MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS VISITS MALAYSIA TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL RELATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Masahiro Komura, concluded a two-day working visit to Malaysia on Monday, aimed at further strengthening the diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.

During his visit from Sept 22 to 23, Komura held a bilateral meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Malaysia and Japan.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the meeting saw both leaders discussing cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, defence, tourism, higher education, and green energy.

"They also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including ASEAN-Japan relations and the conflict in Gaza," the statement said.

 The ministry, also known as Wisma Putra, said that as part of his itinerary Komura visited the newly established branch campus of Japan’s University of Tsukuba in Malaysia.

“For the inaugural enrolment, a total of 13 students have applied to further their studies in the Bachelor of Arts and Science Programme under the School of Transdisciplinary Science and Design,” it said.

The statement also highlighted that Japan has been Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner for nine consecutive years, with total trade between the two countries valued at RM156.64 billion (USD34.39 billion) in 2023.

“As of 2023, a total of 2,810 projects by Japanese companies have been implemented in Malaysia, with investments amounting to RM102.11 billion (USD29.67 billion), creating 344,120 job opportunities,” the statement said. 

Komura’s visit is part of his Southeast Asian tour and marks his first official trip to Malaysia since his appointment in September 2023.

-- BERNAMA