Malaysia and Japan discussed cooperation to reinvigorate tourism trust and to improve the tourism, arts, and cultural industries.

Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that the matter was raised when the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Hiroshi Oka, paid her a courtesy call here.

She said that both countries must join forces to bring excellence back to their tourism industries.

“The cooperation of both countries should encompass restoring the confidence of the people in the two countries to visit Malaysia and Japan again when the ban on tours to each other‘s country is lifted,” she said in a statement.

She said MOTAC had the opportunity to work with Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur (JFKL) and the Japanese Embassy in several programmes under her ministry such as Istana Budaya, Department of Museums, National Arts Gallery and the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara).

She hoped that in future further interaction between the two countries would take place.

The Japanese ambassador praised Malaysia as one of the countries worldwide recognized for the positive containment of the spread of COVID-19 that gave Malaysia the reputation of a safe country during the discussion, in which MOTAC Secretary-general Dr. Noor Zari Hamat attended as well.