Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is poised to enhance its collaboration with Japan in the rare earth elements (REE), critical minerals, and related sectors, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He emphasized Malaysia’s openness to Japanese investment across the entire value chain, from initial exploration and sustainable mining utilizing Japanese technology to the midstream refining and separation processes, and further to the downstream manufacturing of high-value products.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar highlighted the potential for joint research and development initiatives aimed at boosting innovation and technological advancement in the sector during his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. Takaichi, who recently assumed office as Japan’s first female prime minister, was visiting Kuala Lumpur for the first time since her election.
Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s dedication to strengthening bilateral ties at multiple levels to enhance cooperation and mutual understanding between the two nations. He expressed gratitude to Japan for its ongoing support to ASEAN since 1973, particularly in reinforcing ASEAN Centrality.
The Prime Minister noted significant advancements under Malaysia’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Japan, which spans five key areas: peace and security; economic prosperity; science, technology, innovation, and the environment; society, culture, and people-to-people exchange; and regional and global cooperation.
Anwar also expressed appreciation for Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) contributions to Malaysia. This includes the provision of 14 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), two road-cleaning trucks, and seven rescue boats, with a total value of RM12.63 million, set to be delivered to the Malaysian Armed Forces within the year.
In terms of maritime cooperation, Anwar praised the joint exercises between the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Japan Coast Guard, describing them as strategic collaborations essential for enhancing regional maritime security.
On the topic of Palestine, Anwar recognized Japan’s efforts through the Conference on Cooperation Among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD).