Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
At today's Cabinet meeting, approval was given to invite to Japan The Honourable Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia and his spouse, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, on an Official Working Visit from May 24 to 26. During their stay in Japan, the Prime Minister and his spouse will be received in an audience by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan. Prime Minister Abe will also hold a meeting with, and host a dinner for, the Prime Minister. Malaysia has achieved steady economic development and is a driver for regional growth. Through person-to-person exchanges as exemplified by the Look East Policy of Malaysia and also through close interaction in the economic environment, Japan has strengthened relations with Malaysia in all areas. In addition, Malaysia is the chair of ASEAN for 2015 and from its ASEAN-oriented stance, Japan is working to advance dialogue and cooperation with Malaysia in its capacity as chair of the organization. The Government expects that welcoming Prime Minister Razak on an Official Working Visit will provide an extremely significant opportunity to further deepen ties and cooperative relations between our two countries.