Japan PM Ishiba given official welcome at Perdana Putra Complex

PUTRAJAYA: Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is on his maiden visit to Malaysia, was given an official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex here on Friday (Jan 10).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim greeted his arrival at 9am, followed by the playing of both national anthems.

Also in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as well as members of the Cabinet.

Ishiba then inspected a guard of honour, comprising 103 personnel and three officers from the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment, led by Major Arifuddin Mohd Yusuf.

Both leaders are expected to hold bilateral talks to review the progress of relations between Malaysia and Japan, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, human resources development and energy cooperation.

The two Prime Ministers are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including the situation in the Middle East.

Ishiba arrived in Malaysia on Thursday (Jan 9) for his two-day official visit.

By June 2024, Malaysia had implemented 2,821 manufacturing projects with Japanese involvement, representing a total investment of RM105.2bil (US$30.4 bil).

These projects have generated employment opportunities for 344,996 people, with Japan ranking as the fourth-largest foreign investor in terms of implemented manufacturing projects.

Japan remains Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner, with total trade amounting to RM156.75bil (US$34.41bil) in 2023.

Malaysia-Japan trade between January and November 2024 recorded a total trade value of RM140.62bil (US$30.67bil).

Malaysia’s diplomatic relationship with Japan has grown even stronger following the elevation of their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in December 2023.