ISTANBUL Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba began his official visit to Malaysia and Indonesia on Thursday. “In an international society where uncertainty is growing, our relationship with Southeast Asia is extremely important,” Ishiba said in a statement before departing for Kuala Lumpur, his first stop, where he will stay until Friday before continuing to Indonesia. Ishiba highlighted Japan’s focus on security and energy, stating that Tokyo aims to “work to further strengthen cooperation”