JAPAN-MALAYSIA JOINT STATEMENT JUNE 10, 2026, TOKYO

JAPAN-MALAYSIA JOINT STATEMENT

JUNE 10, 2026, TOKYO

1. On June 10, 2026, in Tokyo, Her Excellency Ms. Takaichi Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, and His Excellency Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, held a constructive and productive bilateral summit meeting.

2. Both leaders affirmed that bilateral cooperation has been progressing in a wide range of areas, including security, economy, and human resource development, under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in December 2023, and concurred on further strengthening this partnership.

3. Both leaders reaffirmed the vital role of the Look East Policy as the cornerstone of the long-standing friendship and partnership between Japan and Malaysia, and affirmed on further advancing the policy into a deeper, mutually enriching partnership in which both countries leverage each other's knowledge, experience and expertise through exchanges and cooperation in various fields, as the two countries approach the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027.

4. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the synergies between the Japan’s vision of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which share fundamental principles, while respecting ASEAN Centrality and unity, and to cooperating towards maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law. Prime Minister Anwar welcomed Japan’s updated FOIP vision as articulated in Prime Minister Takaichi's speech delivered on May 2, 2026, recognising it as an important initiative that will facilitate the advancement of their commitment and contribute to peace, freedom and prosperity in the region.

Security and Safety Cooperation

5. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and to the upholding of international law. Both leaders also reiterated their commitment to further promoting security cooperation and confirmed their intention to hold at an early date the next Vice-Ministerial bilateral consultations and the next Strategic Dialogue, which was launched in 2024.

6. Both leaders welcomed the deepening of security cooperation through Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) since 2023 and confirmed that they will continue to implement project formulation, looking ahead to the prospects for long-term cooperation.

7. Both leaders welcomed the continued conduct of bilateral exercises between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Royal Malaysian Navy. Both leaders also confirmed their intention to continue dialogue between the defense organizations of both countries and to further promote training and exchanges between them. Both leaders also decided to accelerate the formulation of concrete projects under the Agreement concerning the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology concluded in 2018. Prime Minister Anwar welcomed the review of the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and its Implementation Guidelines by the Government of Japan as the new framework greatly expands the possibilities of defense cooperation between the two countries.

8. Both leaders recognised the deepening of maritime safety and security cooperation between the Japan Coast Guard and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, and welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between the two agencies on the occasion of this summit meeting. Both leaders expressed their expectation that further cooperation between the two countries will contribute to ensuring safe and free navigation and overflight in the Seas in Asia including the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea and, to building resilient, robust and integrated supply chains.

9. Both leaders decided to strengthen, promote and enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of transnational crimes, including online fraud, drug offences, money laundering, as well as terrorism and violent extremism.

Economy and People-to-People Exchanges

10. Both leaders underscored the importance of long-standing bilateral cooperation between Japan and Malaysia and welcomed the deepening of economic and trade relations since the launch of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening collaboration based on their respective economic growth strategies, whose strategic priorities are closely aligned and capable of generating strong synergies. Both leaders concurred in further developing public-private industrial cooperation, taking into account the industrial policies of both countries. In this regard, both leaders welcomed the active investment by Japanese companies in Malaysia's automobile industry, as exemplified by the cooperation between Perodua and Daihatsu, including collaboration on promoting Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). They also remain committed to ensuring the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

11. Both leaders welcomed and reaffirmed their recognition of the importance of the launch of the Partnership On Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia (POWERR Asia) in April. Both leaders confirmed their commitment to strengthening regional energy security, in light of the destabilisation of global energy supply and geopolitical risks stemming from the situation in the Middle East. Prime Minister Anwar expressed Malaysia's utmost commitment to promote open and stable trade flows to Japan, including for essential energy supplies such as LNG as well as petroleum and chemicals products such as naphtha, urea, and medical gloves. The leaders concurred on enhancing cooperation between Malaysia and Japan in this area, including exploring ways to support Japan’s needs consistent with Malaysia’s domestic priorities and available surplus capacity.

12. Both leaders welcomed the deepening of cooperation and affirmed to further strengthen cooperation towards realising energy security, economic growth and decarbonisation simultaneously in the region under the framework of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC). Both leaders expressed their expectation that the initiatives mentioned herein will be incorporated into POWERR Asia and AZEC 2.0, taking into account the perspectives of energy security and economic resilience. In this regard, they welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent (LOI) on cooperation in the field of energy security and energy transition and the MoC in the field of environment and sustainability as a significant step in advancing such cooperation. Both leaders welcomed the opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation on carbon market mechanism through the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) and the commencement of the construction of production facilities for the world’s first ammonia-fueled gas turbine power generation initiative, as well as for biofuels private sector initiative, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and concurred in advancing the communication about the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology. Furthermore, they acknowledged with appreciation bilateral cooperation on the ASEAN Power Grid initiative under the engagement between JBIC and Malaysian counterparts, such as Tenaga Nasional, Sarawak Energy, and Petronas, the first Nearly Zero Energy Building (Nearly ZEB) in Malaysia as a significant step towards energy efficiency, and the progress in joint research and capacity building on agricultural GHG reduction between Japanese and Malaysian universities through the MIDORI INFINITY.

13. Both leaders concurred on cooperating towards the promotion of the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Malaysia, while ensuring the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation. Prime Minister Takaichi welcomed the sharing of updates on Malaysia’s preparations for the introduction of nuclear power – including reactor technology options, site selection, and business and institutional arrangements – as a basis for formulating Japan’s support plan. Both leaders welcomed Japan’s capacity building support for Malaysia in the field of nuclear energy.

14. Both leaders shared the view to strengthen cooperation in the field of economic security. They expressed concerns over all forms of economic coercion, and the use of non-market policies and practices, as well as the arbitrary export restrictions that could have a significant negative impact on global supply chains. They concurred on deepening cooperation on strengthening supply chain resilience, including for critical materials, and promoting transparent, diversified, secured, sustainable, trustworthy and reliable supply chains among trusted partners. In this regard, both leaders concurred on strengthening the resilience of critical minerals such as rare earth supply chains through ongoing cooperation by JICA, JOGMEC, and JBIC, and measures to streamline regulatory processes in line with each country’s laws and regulations, policies, and priorities. Furthermore, both leaders concurred on promoting cooperations with like-minded countries such as Australia and France in critical minerals area including rare earth. Both leaders also concurred on deepening cooperation on resource circulation of critical minerals through ARCPEEC (ASEANJapan Resource Circulation Partnerships on E-Waste, ELV and Critical Minerals). Malaysia welcomed Japan's announcement of a contribution of USD 20 million to the Critical Minerals-to-Manufacturing Financing Partnership Facility (CMM-FPF) launched by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to strengthen critical mineral supply chains in Asia, including Malaysia. Prime Minister Anwar also welcomed the World Bank Group’s the Resilient and Inclusive Supply-chain Enhancement (RISE) Partnership to strengthen the critical mineral supply chains in ASEAN including Malaysia.

15. Both leaders recognized space as a strategic sector promoting sustainable economic growth and innovation, and concurred on further strengthening Japan-Malaysia cooperation in the space economy. They also affirmed the importance of promoting the utilization of satellite data including Earth observation data across various industrial sectors.

16. Both leaders recognised the importance of strengthening their AI national capabilities and building a safe, secure, and trustworthy AI ecosystem, and concurred on exploring further cooperation under the Japan-ASEAN Co-Creation Initiative for AI. In this context, both leaders concurred to establish the Japan-Malaysia AI Platform primarily as a mechanism between Japanese and Malaysian AI-related companies including startups for solving social challenges as well as for other AI-related cooperation. Both leaders welcomed the private-sector-led strategic collaboration framework for JapanMalaysia cooperation in AI and semiconductor-related fields contributing to green transformation. Prime Minister Anwar also welcomed the increasing number of Japanese startups expanding into Malaysia through programmes established by Japanese government and both leaders concurred in pursuing cooperation in the startup sector, including the expansion of Malaysian companies into Japan.

17. Both leaders welcomed the cooperation as a joint effort involving Japanese companies and Malaysian stakeholders to strengthen a sustainable and responsible supply chains including palm oil. They also welcomed joint research aimed at realising sustainable tropical forests and a sustainable palm oil industry. Moreover, they welcomed expansion of agri-food trade through strengthening such cooperation.

18. Both leaders reaffirmed that the bilateral swap arrangement between the two countries has played an important role as part of the regional safety net, and tasked further discussion towards its enhancements. They also concurred to explore initiatives to promote the use of local currency settlement including in bilateral trade and investment. Both leaders also reaffirmed the importance of regional financial cooperation, including efforts to strengthen the regional financial safety net and to promote DRF (Disaster Risk Financing).

19. Prime Minister Takaichi welcomed the participation of Malaysia in GREENxEXPO 2027, to be held from 19 March to 26 September 2027 in Yokohama, Japan. Both leaders confirmed that they would make their utmost efforts for the success of the Expo.

20. Both leaders reiterated that people-to-people exchanges between the two countries under the Look East Policy serve as the cornerstone of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Takaichi confirmed Japan’s intention to continue promoting existing programmes, including JENESYS, Sakura Science Exchange Program, and MEXT Scholarship, and to sustain the promotion of human resource exchanges. Both leaders confirmed their intention to further update the Look East Policy by promoting mutual exchanges. For bilateral collaborative research between Japan and Malaysia, both leaders concurred on leveraging programs such as NEXUS (Networked Exchange, United Strength for Stronger Partnerships between Japan and ASEAN), and the MSE (Malaysia Science Endowment) to promote international talent mobility and drive innovation in addressing national challenges of mutual interest to both nations. Both leaders also welcomed the opening of the University of Tsukuba Malaysia in September 2024, and concurred in accelerating cooperation towards the realisation of the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) 2.0 concept and to promote exchanges in the fields of culture and sports.

21. Both leaders were pleased with exchange of two-way visitors reaching approximately 1.05 million in 2025. Both leaders concurred on expanding people-to-people relations and welcomed the launch of new air routes connecting the two countries.

Regional and International Cooperation 

22. Both leaders exchanged views and recognised concerns on the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea. They also reiterated the importance of all parties concerned exercising self-restraint and pursuing the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, in particular the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

23. Both leaders exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, Iran and Palestine in particular. They expressed their grave concern over the deterioration of the situation in the region. Both leaders reaffirmed the critical importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to bring about an early de-escalation of the situation, and affirmed their intention to continue close coordination. They concurred on continuing to respond in coordination to ensure that free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is secured at the earliest possible timing. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Palestine and to the realisation of a two-state solution. Both leaders, building on the co-hosting of the Conference on cooperation among East Asian countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) Ministerial Meeting in July 2025 and the announcement of the "CEAPAD IV Kuala Lumpur Action Plan," concurred in continuing support for Palestine through this and other frameworks.

24. Prime Minister Takaichi congratulated Malaysia on the successful conclusion of its ASEAN Chairmanship year in 2025, and reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering support for ASEAN centrality and unity. Both leaders also exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar and reiterated the importance of the restoration of peace, stability and democracy. They reaffirmed to intensifying efforts towards the improvement of the situation so as to ensure the faithful implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. Malaysia highly valued the provision of equipment through OSA by Japan for the activities of the ASEAN Observer Team deployed in the Cambodia-Thailand border areas.

25. Both leaders shared deep concern over the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes and malicious cyber activities, confirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner including through the full implementation of all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and reaffirmed the importance of resolving the abductions issue immediately.

26. Both leaders reaffirmed the urgent need to reform the United Nations, including the Security Council, in a way that truly reflects the realities of today’s international community. In particular, they underscored the importance to strengthen the representativeness, effectiveness, transparency and inclusiveness of the UN Security Council, including through the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership. Prime Minister Takaichi expressed her deep gratitude for Malaysia’s continued support for Japan’s candidature for its permanent membership in the UN Security Council. Both leaders expressed mutual support for candidature as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for Malaysia’s term 2036-2037, and Japan’s term 2033-2034.

Conclusion

27. Both leaders affirmed that the wide-ranging efforts outlined in this Statement would serve not only to enhance both countries’ resilience and promote their freedom to decide for themselves in security and economy, but also further strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation. They reiterated their contribution to build the free and open international order based on the rule of law.