KUALA LUMPUR: Japan yesterday expressed its sympathies to Malaysia over the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17 tragedy in east Ukraine on July 17.
The sentiments were conveyed by the Deputy Head of the Japanese House of Councillors, Azuma Koshiishi during his courtesy call on the president of the Senate, Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang, at the Parliament Building here yesterday.
“Japan follows Malaysia’s developments and we are also grateful that it is always willing to provide any kind of assistance to the Malaysian government,” he told Bernama yesterday.
Abu Zahar said Koshiishi also said the MH17 incident should be fully investigated.
Flight MH17, carrying 283 passengers and 15 crew, was en route from Amsterdam, Holland to Kuala Lumpur, when it crashed in Donetsk, east Ukraine.
Abu Zahar said Japan had assisted Malaysia during the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 on March 8, by supplying equipment and technology and participating in the panel of international experts who conducted research into the incident.
Abu Zahar said Japan had also suggested that there should be bilateral visits between both countries to enable both parties to study the governmental and administrative system implemented in both countries.
“I agree with the suggestion because Malaysia can learn something useful from Japan, and vice-versa. At the same time, it would also indirectly strengthen the economic, cultural and educational ties between the two countries,” he said.
The 10-man Japanese Parliamentary delegation led by Koshiishi is on a three-day visit to Malaysia, to reciprocate Abu Zahar’s visit to Japan two years ago. — Bernama