PUTRAJAYA : With 50 years of diplomatic relations behind them, Japan and Malaysia have agreed to deepen economic and political ties for the next half century.

They also agreed to promote collaboration in human resources development.

The accord came during a visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Malaysia.

Mr Abe said Malaysia serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia as well as Islamic countries in the Middle East.

Visiting Malaysia on the final leg of his week-long trip that includes Indonesia and India, PM Abe pledged to strengthen cooperation in politics, security and trade and investment.

Japan, he said, is Malaysia's largest investor, and more than 1,400 Japanese firms have investments of over US$10 billion in the country's manufacturing sector.

Bilateral trade has also been enhanced since the signing of the Malaysia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement last July.

"We would like to see Japanese investors participating in the Iskandar Development Region. Also, we've just launched the North and Eastern corridors. We feel that Japan has a very constructive role to play. Malaysia has benefited as a result of economic bilateral relations with Japan," said Syed Hamid Albar, Malaysian Foreign Minister.

In the fight against terrorism, Malaysia and Japan agreed to enhance counter terrorism efforts.

The two countries will hold a dialogue on counter terrorism next month.

Both sides also agreed to beef up cooperation to enhance security in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, and to promote peace and development in Mindanao in the Philippines.

Mr Abe has Malaysia's support for his Cool Earth 50 initiatives to halve the emission of greenhouse gases by 2050.

Japan also has Kuala Lumpur's support for its bid to a permanent member of the expanded United Nations Security Council.

With China moving closer towards its Southeast Asian neighbours, forging closer economic and political ties, analysts said Japan may be pressured to do the same in order to ensure its continued relevance in this region. - CNA /ls