PUTRAJAYA: Japan has agreed to collaborate with Malaysia to improve flood management strategies, leveraging its proven experience in disaster risk reduction.
Announcing this commitment, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said his country was committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Malaysia in disaster risk management, recognising the country’s challenges with frequent flooding.
“Malaysia is prone to flooding and the damage caused by it, so we agreed to cooperate by drawing upon Japan’s knowledge and experience in the field of disaster prevention,” he said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Commending Malaysia’s economic vision, Ishiba said the two countries agreed to strengthen collaboration to provide resilience in supply chains – in line with the Madani framework – particularly its emphasis on shared priorities on sustainability, innovation and prosperity.
He described the agreement as a critical step in fostering economic growth and regional stability, noting that Malaysia’s strategic location at the intersection of the Indian and Pacific oceans underscores its importance as a regional hub.
“Malaysia is a comprehensive strategic partner that shares fundamental values and principles with Japan.
“Through initiatives like the Asean outlook on the Indo-Pacific and the realisation of a free and open Indo-Pacific, Japan aims to work closely with Malaysia, which is this year’s Asean Chair, to lead the world towards cooperation,” Ishiba said.
Marking his return to Malaysia after 34 years, Ishiba commended the nation’s rapid development, as well as Anwar’s leadership on the global stage.
“At various international conferences, I have been impressed by Prime Minister Anwar’s passionate and sincere remarks. This time, I had the great honour of engaging in extended discussions with him,” he said.
Ishiba also said that both Japan and Malaysia were committed to boosting cooperation in addressing pressing regional and international challenges, including tensions in the East China Sea, South China Sea, Middle East and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
He said both nations agreed to maintain close communication on these matters, reinforcing their shared commitment to promoting peace and stability.
Highlighting Malaysia’s strategic role as a bridge between South-East Asia and the Middle East, he said Japan valued collaboration with Malaysia in addressing regional challenges and leveraging East Asia’s insights and economic expertise.
“We also agreed to collaborate on ensuring regional peace and stability, including addressing the Middle East situation,” he added.
Ishiba also extended a personal invitation to Anwar to attend the World Expo 2025 in Osaka as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and foster deeper collaborations between the two nations.
