South African President Accorded Official Welcome In Putrajaya

‎PUTRAJAYA, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa was accorded an official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex here today in conjunction with his visit to Malaysia, during which he will attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits as a Guest of the Chair.

Ramaphosa and his delegation arrived at about 4 pm and were received by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Also present at the ceremony were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems of both countries by the Central Band of the Royal Malay Regiment.

Ramaphosa then inspected a guard of honour mounted by four officers and 103 personnel from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (Ceremonial), led by Major Khairul Azmi Jamingon.

Earlier today, the President attended a panel session titled ‘Leader Fireside Chat’, moderated by Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia chief executive officer and board member Mak Joon Nien, during the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2025 held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.

During the session, Ramaphosa said ASEAN remains an important market for South Africa, as the country is keen to increase trade and investment with the region.

He added that South Africa is open to learning and sharing knowledge with ASEAN to improve key sectors such as technology and infrastructure.

The Foreign Ministry, in a statement yesterday, said this is Ramaphosa’s first official visit to Malaysia since assuming office in February 2018.

‎-- BERNAMA