KUALA LUMPUR: Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Makio Miyagawa today paid a courtesy call on Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang at Parliament House here.
The courtesy call was to express the appreciation and gratitude of the Emperor of Japan to Abu Zahar for conveying wishes on his birthday on December 23 last year.
Speaking to reporters, Miyagawa said several matters were also discussed at the meeting, including bilateral socio-economic ties between Malaysia and Japan.
“Japan and Malaysia have enjoyed a very long cordial relationship. As Japan’s economy has started to revive since the new prime minister took over two years ago, investments to Malaysia have been increasing,” he said.
He also expressed confidence on Malaysia’s role as ASEAN chairman this year and said Japan was willing to assist the country as soon as possible in the organising and establishment of the ASEAN community.--BERNAMA