MALAYSIA has thrown its full support behind South Africa as it becomes the first African nation to assume the presidency of the G20, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim saying the theme, Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, mirrors Malaysia’s own aspirations as incoming ASEAN Chair in 2025.
Speaking after talks with President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg, Anwar said both countries reviewed the progress of bilateral relations following Ramaphosa’s official visit to Malaysia in October.
“Malaysia is ready to finalise and sign several important documents, including MoUs on economic and industrial cooperation, halal collaboration, agriculture, green energy, technology, research, as well as cooperation in education and TVET.
“I also offered space and incentives at the MY Integrated Circuit (IC) Design Park to companies from South Africa to join Malaysia’s semiconductor value chain,” he said on Facebook.
Their discussions also expanded to defence cooperation, trade including beef imports, and potential ventures in science and innovation.
Anwar further sought South Africa’s support for Malaysia’s candidacies to several international bodies, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), and the UN Security Council (UNSC).
He emphasised Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening ties grounded in solidarity, confidence and a shared development agenda.
The Prime Minister arrived in Johannesburg to attend the G20 Summit as part of a broader working tour of three African countries, having earlier visited Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and with Nairobi, Kenya scheduled next.
During the visit, Anwar also met prominent South African industry leaders to explore strategic cooperation in the technological and economic sectors.
He said the discussions focused on artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, infrastructure and banking, with an emphasis on clear and strategic collaboration.
“Business-to-business cooperation was also emphasised so that economic relations are not only at the government-to-government level but also include industry players who are the real drivers,” he said on Facebook.
He added that both sides also examined potential cooperation in the defence sector. “The Defence Minister will return here next year to explore defence industry opportunities. Malaysia is committed to strengthening this relationship in a pragmatic and phased manner,” he added.
In a separate meeting, Anwar received a courtesy call from Botswana’s Vice-President, Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, highlighting more than three decades of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation based on mutual trust, respect and shared aspirations.
“Botswana remains an important partner for Malaysia in the African region, with investments covering the automotive wiring manufacturing sector, the establishment of the Limkokwing University campus in Gaborone, as well as locomotive and wagon maintenance operations by Malaysian companies,” he said on Facebook.
Anwar said the Botswana Vice President conveyed appreciation for collaboration through PEMANDU and Malaysia’s expertise in strengthening the country’s institutional capabilities, particularly in economic development and public-service reform. Both nations agreed to explore new avenues of mutually beneficial cooperation.
He also extended his regards to Botswana’s President, Duma Boko, as a mark of respect and friendship between the two nations. - November 22, 2025
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