Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and South Africa have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in trade, education, defence, scientific research, and new sectors such as semiconductors and halal agriculture, announced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This decision follows a bilateral meeting between Anwar and South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa at Kompleks Seri Perdana.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the importance of enhancing Malaysia's strategy to expand trading partners, continuing conventional arrangements, and through BRICS, committing to expand trade with Africa and Latin America. The focus will also be on intra-ASEAN trade and strengthening economic ties within Asia. Anwar highlighted South Africa's significant influence and economic strength in defence, agriculture, and related industries.
Anwar stated that Malaysia is eager to collaborate in new areas beyond palm oil, including semiconductors, halal agriculture, and defence. Furthermore, the cooperation will extend to education and research in universities and scientific institutions, with both countries' ministers and administrators overseeing the implementation.
Anwar praised Ramaphosa as a voice of conscience and conviction for justice and human rights across Africa and globally, including efforts in Gaza and initiatives like the Hague process at the International Criminal Court. He expressed Malaysia's gratitude for South Africa's courage in defending righteousness.
Additionally, Anwar mentioned Malaysia's intent to expand trade partnerships to reduce dependency on a few countries. He acknowledged the need for pragmatic measures to enhance intra-ASEAN trade and effective collaboration within Asia, while securing partnerships with countries sharing common visions, such as South Africa and Brazil.
The Prime Minister also congratulated Ramaphosa on receiving an honorary doctorate from Universiti Malaya, an honor previously awarded to Nelson Mandela in 1990. In 2024, South Africa emerged as Malaysia's largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade reaching RM7.82 billion. Malaysia's exports to South Africa were valued at RM3.84 billion, while imports stood at RM3.98 billion.