Matsuo (left) presenting a souvenir to Shafie.
KOTA KINABALU: Japan looks forward to further strengthening relationship with Sabah under the new state administration.
Counsellor of the Japan Consular Office in Kota Kinabalu, Hiroko Matsuo said Malaysia and Japan had enjoyed over 60 years of diplomatic friendship that had been commemorated through many events involving both countries.
“We wish to continue to hold such events and, of course, to continue good relations.
“Our office (in Kota Kinabalu) will make an effort to support and help to strengthen relationship with Malaysia,” she told reporters after meeting with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal at the latter’s office yesterday.
During the meeting, Matsuo extended the consular office’s congratulations to Mohd Shafie on assuming the post of Sabah Chief Minister and forming a new government.
To a question, she said there were about 400 Japanese citizens residing in Sabah, who were business professionals, students, university researchers and retirees, while about 30,000 Japanese tourists visit the state every year. – Bernama