SEPANG (Oct 25): Newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has arrived in Malaysia to attend the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits, to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, from Oct 26 to 28, Sunday to Tuesday.

This marks her maiden visit to Kuala Lumpur after being elected as Japan's first female prime minister on Tuesday.

The special aircraft carrying Takaichi and her delegation landed at the Bunga Raya Complex of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport here at 7.29pm on Saturday, and were welcomed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

Takaichi then inspected a guard of honour comprising 28 officers and personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.

Earlier, Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata reportedly said that Takaichi's visit would be an important opportunity to highlight Japan's continued support for Asean centrality and Malaysia's leadership as the Asean chair this year.

During her visit, Takaichi is expected to meet Malaysian leaders to explore ways to enhance collaboration in maritime security, economic resilience, green transition, and humanitarian affairs under the Asean framework.

Malaysia, as the Asean chair 2025, will host over 30 world leaders, including those from the Asean region, the US, China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, to deepen engagement and cooperation while addressing regional and global issues of mutual concern.

Leaders from world bodies such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) are also scheduled to attend the high-profile regional meetings.

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