KYOTO (Japan), Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul stated that Malaysia has greatly benefited from Japanese investments over the past 60 years, particularly in transportation technology, a sector that has consistently thrived since then.

Johari, who is leading a Malaysian parliamentary delegation on a five-day visit to Japan, which started on Monday, said the elevation of Malaysia-Japan bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has come at an opportune time.

He expressed confidence that this milestone will propel the already robust relationship to even greater heights.

‘And now we are looking forward not only to expanding these collaborations, but we will also fortify them so that shared prosperity between Malaysia and Japan can be achieved,’ he said during a dinner reception hosted by Kyoto Prefecture vice-governor and Kyoto City deputy mayor, Hironori Furukawa.

The dinner at the Kyoto State Guest House in Kamigyo Ward was attended by Johari’s wife, Puan Sri Noraini Mohd, and the
Malaysian parliamentary delegation.

Also present was Malaysia’s Ambassador to Japan, Datuk Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany, and his spouse, Datin Suriyah Abdullah.

Johari also urged for greater support as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship next year, highlighting this as a key opportunity to enhance cooperation between Japan and ASEAN member states.

‘Next year, Malaysia will be the chair of ASEAN, and we’re collaborating with Japanese agencies in the areas of agriculture, AI, innovation, food technology, and climate change.

‘We hope we will have a better commercial relationship with Japan and open up doors to the ASEAN countries so that the Japanese can invest more in ASEAN and benefit from it,’ he said.

Earlier, Johari visited the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) and the National Diet Library in Keihanna Science City.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency