Malaysia to Co-Chair CEAPAD Meeting on Palestinian Development with Japan

Malaysia will co-chair the CEAPAD ministerial meeting in July, focusing on Palestinian reconstruction, as announced by Prime Minister Anwar during a press conference with Japanese PM Ishiba. The leaders also discussed regional stability regarding the South China Sea and collaboration for resolving the Myanmar crisis.

On January 10, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced Malaysia’s commitment to co-chair the upcoming ministerial meeting of the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) in July, a Japan-led initiative. This conference is fundamentally focused on the reconstruction of Gaza and Palestine, areas of great significance to Malaysia and the Muslim community globally. During a press briefing with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Anwar emphasized Malaysia’s intention to engage with ASEAN member states regarding the potential hosting of the meeting in Kuala Lumpur during the ASEAN Summit.

In addition, the leaders addressed the importance of maintaining peace in the South China Sea, acknowledging the tensions arising from territorial disputes in the area. Prime Minister Anwar reiterated the necessity for Indo-Pacific collaboration and the pursuit of peaceful resolutions to the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, aligning with the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. Prime Minister Ishiba commended Malaysia’s strategic positioning as a vital connector between the Indian and Pacific Oceans and reaffirmed Japan’s dedication to enhancing cooperation with Malaysia, particularly in light of Japan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts within the ASEAN framework.

In conclusion, the discussions between Malaysia and Japan not only signal a commitment to support Palestinian development but also highlight the broader regional security concerns, emphasizing the necessity for collaboration in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

This article reports on Malaysia’s decision to co-chair a significant ministerial meeting for the CEAPAD initiative, established by Japan as a platform to assist Palestinian state-building efforts. CEAPAD aims to leverage East Asian economic development resources and experiences to benefit Palestine and Gaza reconstruction. The joint press conference serves to underline the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Japan and their shared interests regarding regional security and collaborative international efforts.

The announcement of Malaysia’s co-chairing role in the CEAPAD meeting underscores its commitment to supporting Palestinian development. Furthermore, the discussions on South China Sea peace and other regional issues reveal a dedication to maintaining stability and fostering cooperation within ASEAN. This collaborative stance reflects the strategic relationship between Malaysia and Japan amidst evolving international dynamics.

Original Source: www.malaymail.com