Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Japan, beginning today, is expected to further strengthen Malaysia–Japan relations with the signing of four strategic memorandums of understanding (MoUs).
Malaysian Ambassador to Japan Datuk Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany said the invitation from Tokyo reflects Japan’s strong regard for Malaysia, with Anwar set to receive an official welcome at the Prime Minister’s Office.
During the visit, Anwar will hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, followed by a joint press conference where both leaders are expected to announce new agreements.
The MoUs and letters of intent will cover key sectors including regional defence and security, healthcare, energy transition, environmental cooperation and higher education.
Shahril said both leaders will also attend an official luncheon hosted by Takaichi after the press conference.
Anwar, who arrives at Haneda International Airport at 8.05pm Japan time (7.05pm Malaysia time), will be accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim, and senior officials.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan is not part of the delegation.
He added that the visit highlights Malaysia’s position as a key ASEAN partner to Japan amid global geopolitical uncertainties and energy security challenges.
He noted that ASEAN remains a vital strategic partner for Japan, with Malaysia well placed to strengthen regional cooperation across multiple sectors.
The visit also comes ahead of the 70th anniversary of Malaysia–Japan diplomatic relations next year, which began in 1957.
Bilateral trade between both countries stood at RM142.96 billion in 2025, while Japanese investments in Malaysia have involved 2,872 manufacturing projects worth RM107.9 billion, creating over 347,000 jobs.
