Malaysian, Japanese premiers discuss bilateral, regional issues

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Malaysian and Japanese prime ministers met in Tokyo on Friday as the two countries marked their 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri said he met his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida and discussed bilateral relations, including India's "Look East Policy" which is entering its 40th year.

Thanking Kishida for his country's medical support during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sabri said he was "confident that Malaysia and Japan can together strengthen their relationship to a more comprehensive strategic partnership."

In a series of tweets after the meeting, Sabri also said Japan is Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner since 2015, with a trading volume of $36 billion last year, 20% up from 2020.

The Tokyo-based Kyodo News reported that the duo also discussed cooperation over regional issues and the crisis in Ukraine.

Kishida "sought Malaysia's support in realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific," the report added.