KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia stands ready to deepen its cooperation with Japan in the development of rare earth elements, critical minerals, and other mineral-related sectors.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia also welcomes Japan’s participation and investment across the entire value chain.
This includes upstream exploration and sustainable mining using Japanese technology, midstream refining and separation processes, and downstream manufacturing of high-value products.
The collaboration could also extend to joint research and development initiatives to enhance innovation and technological advancement in the sector.
Anwar made these remarks during his bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
Takaichi, who is the president of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, was elected prime minister last Tuesday, becoming the country’s first female leader.
This visit marks her maiden trip to Kuala Lumpur as Japan’s prime minister.
Anwar also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral engagement at all levels to further enhance cooperation and mutual understanding between the two countries.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to Japan for its continued support and assistance to ASEAN since 1973.
He particularly acknowledged Japan’s steadfast commitment to upholding ASEAN Centrality in regional affairs.
Anwar noted that substantial progress has been achieved under Malaysia’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Japan.
This partnership covers five key areas including peace and security, economic prosperity, and science, technology, innovation, and the environment.
It also encompasses society, culture, and people-to-people exchange, along with regional and global cooperation.
Meanwhile, Anwar expressed his appreciation to Japan for its Official Security Assistance contribution.
This includes 14 unmanned aerial vehicles, two road-cleaning trucks and seven rescue boats valued at 12.63 million ringgit.
These assets will be fully delivered to the Malaysian Armed Forces this year.
Regarding maritime cooperation, he expressed appreciation for the joint exercises conducted between the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Japan Coast Guard.
Anwar described these exercises as a strategic form of collaboration and an important initiative to enhance regional maritime security.
On the situation in Palestine, Anwar acknowledged Japan’s assistance through the Conference on Cooperation Among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development. – Bernama
