Y.Bhg. Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia (Wisma Putra) undertook a working visit to Japan from 22 to 25 January 2009 to lead a delegation comprising officials from the ministry and the Embassy of Malaysia in Tokyo for the 11th Malaysia-Japan Bilateral Consultations. The delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (Gaimusho) was led by H.E. Kenichiro Sasae, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.
During the consultative meeting, the two sides discussed various issues of mutual interest and concern encompassing bilateral, regional and international issues. The bilateral meeting was held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere enabling a candid, frank and constructive exchange of ideas that would contribute further to the enhancement of relations between the two ministries and countries and in the forging of better cooperation at the regional and international fora.
Besides attending the consultative meeting, Y.Bhg. Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa also called on H.E. Seiko Hashimoto, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Japan. The Secretary General was also given a briefing on the organizational structure and functions of Gaimusho by Mr. Chikao Kawai, Deputy Vice Minister, Minister’s Secretariat, Gaimusho.
Y.Bhg. Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa also took the opportunity to meet with the officials of the Embassy. He stated that the Konsep Operasi Bersepadu (KOB) is currently under review to make the operations and functions of every Malaysian embassy or high commission more effective and cost-saving. He added that Wisma Putra would continue to work with the central agencies to enhance the welfare of officials serving overseas and their family members.
Y.Bhg. Dato’ Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman, Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan also briefed the Secretary General on the renovation work which is currently being undertaken at both the Embassy and the Staff Apartment of the Embassy. Y.Bhg. Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa expressed his satisfaction at the progress of work and extended his appreciation to all officials and staff for their cooperation during this period.
The Secretary General also had the opportunity to meet and exchange views with Malaysian students on 24 January 2009 over a dinner organized by the Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan. Y.Bhg. Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa used the occasion to brief and explain the relevant government policies and shared his experiences. He encouraged the students to strive hard in their studies and expressed the hope that upon graduation, the students would pursue careers that would in one way or another contribute to the country and the society. Following the dinner, Y.Bhg. Dato’ Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman handed over to Y.Bhg. Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa a donation collected by the Embassy for Tabung Kemanusian Rakyat Palestin.
