Malaysian PM Backs Stable LNG Supply to Japan

Tokyo, June 10 (Jiji Press)–Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his country’s utmost commitment to the stable supply to Japan of liquefied natural gas and oil-related products, such as medical gloves, at a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Wednesday. “We confirmed our determination to deepen ties between the two countries in both directions,” Takaichi said at a joint press conference. Anwar said that he would always support a free and open Indo-Pacific initiative promoted by the Takaichi administration. Malaysia accounts for about 15 pct of Japan’s LNG imports. The two prime ministers agreed to reinforce supply chains for key minerals and expressed concerns over arbitrary export restrictions, with China’s economic pressure in mind. They also agreed to establish a Japan-Malaysia AI Platform as a framework for cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. The two leaders also exchanged views on the situations in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, where China has been expanding its influence, as well as on the situation in the Middle East. In addition, they emphasized the importance of maritime security cooperation and agreed to continue joint exercises between Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Malaysian navy, along with Japan’s support to Malaysia through its Government Security Assistance scheme. On Wednesday, Takaichi held a separate meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and confirmed that their countries will bolster bilateral cooperation. Takaichi told Sonexay of her eagerness to strengthen and enrich the region to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Loa leader voiced his readiness to cooperate to further develop bilateral relations. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]