Japan and Malaysia Strengthen Maritime Cooperation for Asian Waterway Security

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have agreed to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation to guarantee the security of Asian waters. In a meeting in Tokyo on Wednesday, as cited in a joint statement in Kuala Lumpur, Takaichi and Anwar acknowledged the increasingly close maritime safety and security cooperation between the Japan Coast Guard and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. Both leaders welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the two agencies during the meeting. Takaichi and Anwar expressed hope that further cooperation would contribute to ensuring freedom and security of navigation and overflight in Asian waters, including the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea, as well as building resilient, strong, and integrated supply chains. Japan and Malaysia also reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the enforcement of international law. Both countries confirmed their commitment to continue advancing security cooperation and their intention to convene the next vice-ministerial level bilateral consultations and strategic dialogue, which were launched in 2024. Furthermore, Takaichi and Anwar welcomed the continuation of bilateral exercises between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Royal Malaysian Navy. They confirmed their intention to continue dialogue between the defence organisations of both nations and further advance training and exchanges between them. Japan and Malaysia also decided to accelerate the formulation of concrete projects based on the Agreement on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology signed in 2018.