I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Malaysia on its 61st anniversary of independence. Japan and Malaysia opened diplomatic relations on Aug. 31, 1957. Since then, the two countries have deepened their relationship in all aspects, including politics, economy, culture and education.

On the economic front, Japanese companies began to advance into Malaysia in the 1960s, led by the electric and electronics industries. Later, against the backdrop of a stable political situation, increased English proficiency and well-developed fundamental infrastructure in Malaysia, a greater variety of Japanese industries joined the movement, including automakers, chemical companies, retailers and financial institutions.

Under the Look East Policy that was launched in 1982 by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, during his first stint as prime minister from 1981 to 2003, cooperation proceeded in economic matters, including human resource development and technology transfers. In particular, skilled Malaysian workers who were sent to Japan under this policy acted as a bridge for the two countries' economic relationship.