Malaysia, South Africa To Strengthen Economic, Education And Research Ties

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and South Africa have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in trade, education, defence, scientific research and new areas such as semiconductors and halal agriculture, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The agreement was reached following a bilateral meeting between Anwar and South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa at Kompleks Seri Perdana here, today.

“We have agreed that we need to enhance the Malaysian strategy to expand new trading partners while continuing with existing conventional arrangements. That is why, through BRICS, we are committed to expanding trade with Africa and Latin America, while also focusing on intra-ASEAN trade and strengthening economic ties in Asia,” he said.

Anwar emphasised that South Africa holds a special place in Africa with significant influence as well as economic strength in defence, agriculture and related industries.

“So, we have given assurance that we will continue to collaborate in new areas other than palm oil, including semiconductors, halal, agriculture and defence.

“We are also expanding this cooperation to education and research in universities and scientific institutions, with ministers and administrators from both sides to follow through on implementation,” he added.

Anwar also described Ramaphosa as a voice of conscience, tenacity, and conviction in defending justice and human rights across Africa and beyond, with efforts extending to the people of Gaza and international initiatives such as the Hague process at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“They are a very prominent player in the Hague initiative at the ICC. Of course, on behalf of Malaysia, I must also express my profound gratitude for this courage to defend what is right,” he said.

Meanwhile, Anwar also said Malaysia is working to expand its trade partnerships and reduce its dependence on just a few countries.

“Other than trading arrangements, which we have to open up because Malaysia, for example, cannot be totally dependent on a few countries. The market is expanding, the economy is growing, and to ensure our survival, we take very pragmatic, practical measures to enhance intra-ASEAN trade and collaborate further effectively within the Asia region.

“But I realise that in this globalised world, we have to secure friends. Particularly friends that share a common vision and common ideas. That is why when I was given the opportunity to chair ASEAN, I focused on deepening ties with countries like South Africa and Brazil,” he added.

The Prime Minister also congratulated Ramaphosa on being conferred an honorary doctorate from Universiti Malaya this Monday, an honour that follows Nelson Mandela’s award in 1990.

In 2024, South Africa ranked as Malaysia’s largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade amounting to RM7.82 billion.

Malaysia’s exports to South Africa were valued at RM3.84 billion, while imports stood at RM3.98 billion.

-- BERNAMA