TOKYO: The Japan-Asean Summit kicked off on a positive note with bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Japanese counterpart Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
In the meeting, Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia and Japan's ties have been elevated to a strategic comprehensive partnership.
The announcement was made via a joint statement before both leaders witnessed the signing and exchange of notes of the official Security Assistance Grant Aid by Japan.
This would provide monitoring and surveillance equipment for Malaysia.
Malaysia, Anwar says, recognises Japan's pivotal role in the development of the Asean region, with consistent progress seen over the last few decades.
Following that, Anwar continued with business meetings with top executives of three major Japanese corporations – Rohm Wako, Toshiba and Mitsui & Co.
In the last scheduled work session for the day, he then met with 25 Japanese companies and captains of industry that have expressed interest in investing in Malaysia at the Roundtable Meeting organised by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida).
Day two of the summit tomorrow will begin with the first meeting of Japan with all Asean leaders before a Gala dinner scheduled at 7pm.