TOKYO, Dec 27 — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will visit Malaysia and Indonesia from January 9 to 12, to deepen cooperation with the Southeast Asian nations toward realising a rules-based, free and open Indo-Pacific.
According to Kyodo News Agency, during his trip, he is expected to hold talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi during a press conference.
Malaysia will serve as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations next year.
"It's essential that Japan strengthens ties with countries in Southeast Asia located near key sea lanes and seen as a growth engine.
"We hope that the meetings will help build personal ties between the leaders and serve as an opportunity to boost bilateral economic and security ties and confirm coordination over various global challenges," he said.
Since taking office in October, Ishiba has travelled overseas to attend a series of multilateral gatherings, but this will be the first time to do so solely for bilateral talks.
— Bernama
