Kuala Lumpur: In a significant move to transform historical solidarity into a dynamic economic partnership, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have unveiled plans to deepen cooperation between South Africa and Malaysia across various strategic sectors. The two leaders outlined their shared commitment to expand collaboration in areas including the halal industry and agriculture, to the critical technological frontiers of semiconductor manufacturing and green energy.
According to South African Government News Agency, the two leaders released a joint press release during President Ramaphosa’s Working Visit to the country. Other areas of enhanced cooperation include trade and investment, defence, science, technology and innovation, education, tourism and culture, transport, and capacity building. The leaders recognized that enhanced collaboration in these sectors would deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries and contribute to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
Both leaders expressed confidence in the continued growth of bilateral relations and noted the considerable untapped economic potentials between Malaysia and the Republic of South Africa. Furthermore, trade and investment linkages are to be strengthened by facilitating participation of businesses from both countries in trade fairs, exhibitions, and business forums.
Malaysia affirmed that exports of Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO)-certified palm oil will be expanded in support of South Africa’s growing demand for sustainably produced food and ingredients within its food processing and manufacturing sectors. Both leaders highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation including research, training programs, and green manufacturing in the palm oil industry, recognizing Malaysia’s position as a global leader in sustainable palm oil production and the Republic of South Africa’s potential as a strategic partner and emerging market.
Both sides further agreed to explore opportunities for joint ventures, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen collaboration and promote sustainable growth in this sector. South Africa and Malaysia will also cooperate in the technologically critical area of semiconductor manufacturing as well as other sectors.
Both sides recognized Malaysia’s role as a global hub and leading exporter in the semiconductor industry and expressed commitment to leverage this expertise to promote knowledge-sharing, joint research, and capacity-building. The Republic of South Africa is keen to export to Malaysia iron and related products, aircraft and spacecraft components, machineries and parts, while also encouraged Malaysia to consider investing in green hydrogen, mineral beneficiation, energy infrastructure, energy battery storage and distribution, and automotive.
On the global front, the two statesmen spoke out against the genocide in Gaza, Palestine, and called for respect of the international order. They affirmed that lasting peace should be pursued through diplomacy, dialogue, and collective multilateral efforts. Both leaders strongly condemned the atrocities in Gaza and reiterated their steadfast support for the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign, viable, contiguous, and independent Palestinian state.
They welcomed initiatives aimed at achieving an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire; removal of blockade on Gaza; the protection of all civilians; and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance to those affected. Both leaders further agreed on the necessity of upholding the international order based on the principles of the UN Charter, including the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
President Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Ibrahim expressed belief that the Working Visit will pave the way to even stronger ties. Both leaders reaffirmed their confidence that the outcomes of this visit would further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Malaysia and the Republic of South Africa, while paving the way towards a brighter, more prosperous, and mutually beneficial future for both nations.
