(AFP) - Malaysia today congratulated the Japanese royal couple over the birth of their new baby princess, Deputy Information Minister Khalid Yunus said.

"We wish them prosperity and good health," he told AFP . Khalid congratulated Crown Princess Masako on giving birth after eight years of childless marriage to Crown Prince Naruhito, saying that "many other couples have also waited for a long time to have a child."

The 37-year-old princess had the 3.1kg baby girl at 2.43pm today after going into labor around 12.40pm.