KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 21 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hailed the historic appointment of Japan's first woman leader, calling Sanae Takaichi's rise a milestone for the country and its democracy.

Anwar said Malaysia looked forward to working closely with the new Japanese premier, especially during her visit to Kuala Lumpur next week for the ASEAN-Japan Summit.

"I congratulate Her Excellency Sanae Takaichi on her appointment as Prime Minister of Japan," he said in a Facebook post today.

"Her elevation to office as Japan's first woman Prime Minister is a landmark in the country's political life, a reflection of her resolve and the quiet evolution of Japan's democracy.

"I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Takaichi to ...