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.