Japan PM talks on ASEAN in KL

Japan PM talks on ASEAN in KL

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto yesterday held talks with his Malaysian counterpart, during which he discussed regional issues such as tightening ASEAN ties and the growing presence of China.

The Japanese leader wrapped up a two-hour meeting with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad after arriving yesterday on the second leg of a tour to five Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) members.

Security measures were tightened for the Japanese leader's visit, which comes amid a three-week-old hostage crisis at the Japanese ambassador's residence in Lima, Peru.

During the meeting with Mahathir, Hashimoto suggested that there should be more regular meetings between ASEAN leaders and Tokyo, Abdul Kadir Mohamad, secretary-general of Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told a news briefing.

Mahathir told the Japanese leader he would consult other ASEAN leaders on that request, Abdul Kadir said.

Malaysia currently chairs ASEAN, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Abdul Kadir said Hashimoto said Tokyo was positive to the idea of Myanmar's eventual entry into the Southeast Asian group. But the Japanese prime minister said he was aware of concerns in his country about human rights issues.

On China's growing presence in Asia, Mahathir told his Japanese counterpart that "Malaysia feels a policy of friendship is better than a policy of containment," Abdul Kadir said.

Hashimoto's Asia-Pacific strategy is expected to be underpinned by increasing economic cooperation with ASEAN members and containing China's growing influence in the region.