PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim kicked off his official visit to Japan by meeting Sasakawa Peace Foundation chairman Tan Sri Yohei Sasakawa to exchange views on conflicts in Myanmar, Israel-Iran and Palestine.
In a post on his official social media accounts on Tuesday (June 9), Anwar said he and Sasakawa exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar, the Israel-Iran conflict and the continuing humanitarian tragedy in Palestine.
"Lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, mutual understanding and a shared commitment," he said.
He added that efforts to achieve lasting peace must continue to be supported by world leaders and the international community.
The Prime Minister described Sasakawa as a longtime friend and said they also reflected on their long history of cooperation, including through Forum 2000, an international platform founded by former Czech president Václav Havel that brings together world leaders, intellectuals and thinkers to discuss democracy, human rights, security and the future of civilisation.
They also recalled efforts to empower young leaders in South-East Asia through various leadership development programmes inspired by the ideals of the Asian Renaissance.
Anwar expressed appreciation for Sasakawa's humanitarian contributions around the world over many years.
The Prime Minister is in Japan on a three-day official visit that includes bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, participation in the 31st Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia, and engagements with Japanese industry leaders aimed at strengthening economic, strategic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Also on Tuesday, Anwar delivered a special lecture on "Humanity in a Human-Machine Civilisation" at the University of Tokyo.
