LIMA, Nov 16- Japan has expressed its support for Malaysia as the Chair of ASEAN in 2025.

The assurance was delivered by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Lima, Peru.

The two leaders are in Lima to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Week (AELW).

Datuk Seri Anwar also gave assurance to Ishiba that Malaysia will certainly strengthen its relations with Japan during its ASEAN Chairmanship next year.

"Our goal is to prioritize relations with Japan. Japan was one of the first countries to support the development of the country's industry," he said.

Datuk Seri Anwar also said the government intends to continue its Look East Policy, particularly in education and technology transfer.

He congratulated Ishiba on his recent appointment as prime minister and invited him to pay an official visit to Malaysia as soon as possible.

Japan has been Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner for nine consecutive years.

Total trade between the two countries was valued at RM156.64 billion in 2023.