South Africa Committed To Strengthen Longstanding Relations With Malaysia, Says Ramaphosa

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- South Africa is committed to strengthening longstanding relations with Malaysia, particularly in trade, investment, education and cultural exchanges, said President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.

He said the ties between the two nations stretched back more than 300 years, and are bound by a shared history and resistance to slavery and colonialism.

“When we come to Malaysia, it is like coming home. Our two countries are connected by deep ancestral and historical bonds,” he said in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim after a bilateral meeting at Seri Perdana here today.

Ramaphosa said the meeting with Anwar marked an important step in revitalising bilateral relations, adding that both nations agreed on the need to expand trade and investment cooperation amid current global geopolitical challenges.

“We have reconfirmed that trade and investment opportunities need to be expanded between our two countries, especially during this period where trade is being used as a weapon,” he said.

The President said South Africa would continue building on existing collaborations in areas of mutual interest, with both sides agreeing to hold regular consultations to ensure sustained momentum.

He also emphasised the importance of fostering closer people-to-people relations through education, university research and student exchange programmes, as well as enhanced cooperation in sports and culture.

On international issues, Ramaphosa thanked Malaysia for recognising South Africa’s stance on the Palestinian cause and its move to lodge a complaint with the International Court of Justice.

“We will continue to seek justice for the people of Palestine (just) as the world sought justice for us South Africans when they also went to the United Nations to declare apartheid a crime against humanity,” he said.

Ramaphosa also expressed hope for closer cooperation between the African Union, the Southern African Development Community and ASEAN, noting that both regions share common views in multilateral forums.

He thanked Malaysia for inviting South Africa to participate in the ASEAN Summit and extended an invitation for Anwar to undertake a state visit to South Africa in 2026.

“Your visit to South Africa for the G20 Summit next month will be a warm-up. We look forward to welcoming you again for a full state visit,” he said.

Ramaphosa is currently on a four-day official visit to Malaysia until Oct 27 at the invitation of Anwar for a bilateral meeting and to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits as a Guest of the Chair.

This is Ramaphosa’s first official visit to Malaysia since assuming office in February 2018.

-- BERNAMA