On January 10, 2025, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Putrajaya for a bilateral meeting aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations. The focus of the meeting was on strengthening energy security, particularly through natural gas and hydrogen projects. The leaders discussed deepening their economic ties to collectively tackle shared challenges. Shigeru Ishiba's visit to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, highlights the significance of the region for Japan's strategic engagements. The discussions underscored the commitment of Malaysia and Japan to work closely together on energy initiatives, with hydrogen emerging as a key area of interest. The meeting signals a positive outlook for the future collaboration between Malaysia and Japan in the energy sector, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and partnerships in addressing global energy needs.