In a move aimed at deepening Canada's strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand will embark on a two-nation tour to Japan and Malaysia this week.
The visit, which kicks off on July 7, marks an important step in enhancing Canada's trade, defence cooperation, and security interests with both countries. In Tokyo, Minister Anand will meet with her Japanese counterpart, Iwaya Takeshi, to strengthen bilateral relations and advance shared interests. The minister will also work to conclude the Canada-Japan Security of Information Agreement, a key agreement that will deepen defence and security collaboration between the two nations.
The tour will continue in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where Minister Anand will participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Post Ministerial Conference Plus Canada. This meeting brings together the 10 ASEAN member states and Canada to highlight progress made through the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership and explore new ways to advance shared interests, including economic and security priorities.
The visit is significant, as it reflects Canada's commitment to inclusive growth, a rules-based international order, and partnerships that create shared prosperity with Indo-Pacific economies. The minister will also engage in bilateral meetings with Malaysian counterparts to advance bilateral opportunities and mutual objectives.
Canada and Malaysia enjoy steadily growing trade relations, with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership providing Canadian businesses with preferential access to Japan and ten other Indo-Pacific markets.
Key highlights of the visit include:
A meeting with Japanese Minister Iwaya Takeshi to strengthen Canada-Japan trade and defence cooperation
Participation in the ASEAN-Canada Post Ministerial Conference Plus Canada to advance shared interests
Bilateral meetings with Malaysian counterparts to advance bilateral opportunities
Discussions on pressing regional and global security challenges, including the crisis in Myanmar and tensions in the East and South China Seas
Minister Anand's visit demonstrates Canada's commitment to strengthening ties with those in the Indo-Pacific region, as outlined in the country's Indo-Pacific Strategy. This strategy has committed $2.3 billion to advancing 5 strategic objectives from security and trade to sustainability and regional engagement.
The minister's tour is expected to have a positive impact on Canada's relationships with Japan and Malaysia, enhancing trade, defence cooperation, and security interests between the two countries.