Malaysian PM visits Japan to boost bilateral partnership
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is paying a visit to Japan’s Fukuoka and Oita prefectures from August 6-9, Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (Source: Bernama)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysian PrimeMinister Mahathir Mohamad is paying a visit to Japan’s Fukuoka and Oitaprefectures from August 6-9, Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
According to the statement, PM Mahathir isscheduled to meet Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroto Izumiand visit the Kyushu Railway Company Safety Creation Centre, the GroovenautsInc. Technology Park in Fukuoka and the Ritsumeikan University in Oita.
He will deliver his keynote address at the JapanFuture Leaders School and Kyushu Asian Institute of Leadership.
The Malaysian PM is accompanied by EducationMinister Dr Maszlee Malik and Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook as wellas officials from Wisma Putra.
The visit will also allow Malaysia to enhanceits bilateral cooperation with Japan, especially in the fields of education, technologyand transportation, the statement added.
Over the past years, Malaysia and Japan havemaintained close relationship in many areas. In early June this year, PMMahathir chose Japan as the first foreign destination for visiting since he tookoffice in early May.
Japan is Malaysia's fourth largest tradingpartner after China, Singapore and the US. The ministry said that Malaysia andJapan continue to maintain close bilateral relations in many areas ofcooperation, with bilateral trade totalling 138.5 billion RM (32.22 billionUSD) in 2017 - a 14.7 percent increase compared to 2016.-VNA
Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Japan and Hong Kong (China) are the largest real estate owners in Vietnam so far, according to a survey recently announced by the CBRE Vietnam.
Malaysia and Japan signed an agreement on April 18, paving the way for the transfer of Japanese defence equipment and technology to the Southeast Asian country.
Foreign Affairs Minister of Japan Taro Kono paid a visit to Malaysia on July 10-11 at the invitation of his Malaysian counterpart Saifuddin Abdullah to discuss measures to strengthen bilateral relations.
The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee’s Commission for Propaganda and Training on August 12 hosted a ceremony and exhibition marking the 75th anniversary of Mass Media and Publishing Day (August 13, 1950 – 2025).
Analysis by an economist found the US tariffs may reduce Thailand's exports by 8.16 billion USD, and when factoring in the trade diversion effect, they could drop by 457 billion THB (14.14 billion USD) this year.
Laos has reaffirmed its strong commitment to protecting forests and enhancing climate change adaptation, calling for deeper regional cooperation to safeguard ecosystems and promote sustainable development.
The import restriction will remain in effect until further notice, depending on developments in disease prevention and control efforts in affected countries, according to the Philippine Department of Agriculture.
Addressing the event, Indonesian Ambassador Dr. Bebeb A.K.N. Djundjunan, who is now holding the ACAT rotating chairmanship, highlighted ASEAN’s message on a more united, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable association. He reviewed key achievements of the group, such as community building and expanded cooperation with global partners.
The Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) has become a key mechanism in narrowing development gaps among member states, helping the CLMV fully implement the joint commitments and comprehensively participate in the bloc’s integration and community building processes.
Four other major Thai destinations - Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai - also ranked among the region’s top cities for repeat visits, reflecting Thailand’s diversity and enduring appeal for travellers of all types.
In its Pre-Budget Statement 2026, the ministry stated that growth will be anchored by resilient domestic demand, particularly through private investment, stable employment, and income-enhancing measures such as targeted cash transfers and wage increases.
Singapore is at risk of chikungunya transmission as the number of reported cases this year has more than doubled compared to last year, the country’s Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) has reported.
On August 11, major RoK outlets, including Yonhap News Agency, KBS, The Korea Herald, and The Korea Times, provided prominent coverage of the talks held the same day between General Secretary Lam and President Lee Jae Myung, during which both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in economy, security, technology, and culture.
The Singaporean government needs to enable people, workers and businesses to make full use of these tools, and enhance their competitive advantage. It “will walk this journey” with Singaporeans as it has done for the past six decades, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm both ASEAN member states' and partners’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and narrowing development gaps.
Thailand emits roughly 350 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, with the energy and industrial sectors accounting for more than 75% of this amount. Though this volume represents just 1% of global emissions, the Thai Government is eager to achieve carbon neutrality, a balance between carbon dioxide emissions and absorption, by 2050.
The Malaysian government is undertaking a structured assessment to examine the role of nuclear power as a potential option for clean, stable, and competitive electricity within Malaysia’s future energy mix.
It aims to identify and honour digital technology initiatives, products, and solutions with practical applications; promote creativity in technology development; anticipate trends and development potential in digital technology; and recognise the role of digital technology in economic growth and enhancing quality of life for citizens in ASEAN countries.
Addressing the ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador Simon D.I. Soekamo, the rotating Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Cuba, highlighted the bloc's spirit of friendship and solidarity, and reaffirmed ASEAN's core values of peace, stability, and prosperity through cooperation and dialogue.
Vietnam’s pavilion notably displayed traditional crafts from the centuries-old lacquerware village of Ha Thai and Chu Dau ceramics. The atmosphere was further enriched by delegations wearing their countries’ traditional costumes, including the elegant ao dai and the graceful ao tu than of Vietnamese women.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (Source: Bernama) 
