Kuala lumpur: Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya is set to visit Malaysia to attend the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and co-host the Fourth Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this visit marks Iwaya’s first official trip to Malaysia since his appointment as Foreign Minister last October. The Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Noriyuki Shikata, highlighted that Iwaya’s visit underscores Japan’s strong support for ASEAN centrality and the close bilateral ties between Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur.

Shikata mentioned that the visit signifies Japan’s engagement with Southeast Asia and its commitment to collaborating with Malaysia on regional and global issues, including humanitarian support, energy transition, education, and maritime security. Malaysia will host the 58th AMM at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11, after assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship from Laos on January 1 this year.

This year marks Malaysia’s fifth time as ASEAN Chair, having previously held the position in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. Japan’s relationship with ASEAN began as its first dialogue partner in 1973 and was formalized in 1977. Over the years, Japan has deepened its engagement with ASEAN by joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in 2004 and establishing a permanent mission in Jakarta in 2011.

In 2023, ASEAN and Japan upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, demonstrating Tokyo’s sustained support for ASEAN centrality and regional cooperation. One of Japan’s significant regional initiatives is CEAPAD, launched in 2013 to coordinate development support for Palestine. Malaysia has been consistently involved in CEAPAD since its beginning, reflecting its dedication to the Palestinian cause. CEAPAD IV, co-hosted by Japan and Malaysia, is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur on July 11.