Malaysia, Japan express deep concern over North Korea's nuclear programme

Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - Malaysia and Japan have expressed deep concern over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes, calling for the full and peaceful denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

The statement was issued following a bilateral meeting between Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Wednesday.

“Both leaders conveyed deep concern regarding the nuclear and missile programmes, as well as the malicious cyber activities conducted by North Korea,” according to a joint statement released by the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (10/6).

Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to the full, peaceful denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, including through the full implementation of all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Malaysia and Japan also reiterated the importance of an immediate resolution to the issue of the abduction of nationals in North Korea.

In another part of the discussion, both leaders emphasised the necessity of UN reform, including the Security Council, to reflect the current state of the international community.

Specifically, Malaysia and Japan highlighted the importance of strengthening the representation, effectiveness, transparency, and inclusivity of the UN Security Council, including through the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership.

Prime Minister Takaichi expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s ongoing support for Japan’s candidacy for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Both countries also expressed mutual support for Malaysia’s candidacy as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2036-2037 term, and Japan’s candidacy for the 2033-2034 term.