Japan's Crown Prince visit highlights commemoration of Malaysia-Japan 60 year ties

Crown Prince Naruhito's five-day official visit to Malaysia, beginning today will be the highlight of the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Malaysia-Japan bilateral relations, says Wisma Putra.

"This historic visit will contribute towards the enhancement of the close and fraternal relations between the two countries, as well as personal relationship between leaders," it said in a statement Wednesday.

It said bilateral relations between Malaysia and Japan had expanded steadily and substantially, since the establishment of diplomatic relations, 60 years ago.

One of the main thrusts of cooperation between the two countries was the 'Look East Policy', added Wisma Putra.

It said programmes under the policy had been implemented for more than three decades since 1982, and the policy entered its second wave of cooperation in 2013.

"Through this programme, Malaysia has benefited greatly, particularly in terms of economic and social development," it said.

It will be Prince Naruhito's first visit to Malaysia since his investiture as Crown Prince of Japan in 1991.

The last visit by the Crown Prince of Japan to Malaysia was by Emperor Akihito, the then-Crown Prince, and Empress Michiko, the then-Crown Princess in 1970.

During the visit, Prince Naruhito, who is the oldest son of Emperor Akihito, is scheduled to have an audience with Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, followed by an official dinner hosted by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.

The Crown Prince of Japan is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Najib and wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor will host a luncheon for the Crown Prince of Japan and delegation at Sri Perdana here.

Prince Naruhito will also deliver a special lecture at the University of Malaya and visit PERMATA Pintar and meet with Rosmah, the patron of the Permata Programmes.

Other programmes include visits to the National Museum, Smart Tunnel and Japanese School Kuala Lumpur, as well as an audience with the Japanese Community in Malaysia and Malaysians Associated with Japan. -- Bernama