Malaysia, Japan to deepen defence ties during Khaled's visit

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Japan are seeking to strengthen defence ties and expand bilateral cooperation during Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin's four-day working visit to Japan.

The visit, which runs from today until Wednesday, builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established between both nations.

In a Facebook post, Khaled said he is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

"I am also scheduled to attend a ceremony to sign grant assistance documents under the Japanese government's Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme.

"The visit will also include meetings with Japan's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) and a visit to Japanese company Toshiba," he said.

Khaled added that the engagements are expected to yield tangible benefits for Malaysia's national defence while enhancing mutual understanding in addressing regional security challenges.

Upon his arrival at Haneda Airport in Tokyo today, Khaled was received by Malaysia's Ambassador to Japan, Datuk Ahmad Rozian Abd Ghani, and Defence Attaché Royal Malaysian Navy Captain Mohamad Fazri Ibrahim.

His delegation includes Defence Ministry deputy secretary-general (policy) Datuk Mohd Yani Daud and Armed Forces Headquarters chief of staff Lieutenant-General Datuk Seri Muhammad Huzaimi Sabri.