Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, and Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, have reached an agreement for bilateral defense and maritime security cooperation. This collaboration stems from shared concerns about China’s growing military assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region.
Under the Government Security Assistance (OSA) program initiated in fiscal year 2023, Japan will provide defense equipment, including rescue boats and maritime surveillance drones, to Malaysia. This program offers defense equipment to certain nations without charge, with the estimated total value of the equipment being around ¥400 million. Both leaders have committed to advancing joint training initiatives between the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the Malaysian military, along with collaboration between their respective coast guard agencies.
In addition to defense cooperation, Japan is also looking to diversify material imports, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply from Malaysia. Furthermore, the two countries have agreed to collaborate in the field of education, with Japan’s University of Tsukuba planning to establish a branch campus in Malaysia by September 2024.
(Sources: NHK, Nikkei Asia)
