Kuala lumpur: South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa was accorded an official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex in conjunction with his visit to Malaysia, where he is set to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits as a Guest of the Chair. Ramaphosa and his delegation arrived at about 4 pm and were received by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ceremony was graced by the presence of Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. The event commenced with the playing of the national anthems of both countries by the Central Band of the Royal Malay Regiment.

President Ramaphosa inspected a guard of honour, which was mounted by four officers and 103 personnel from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (Ceremonial), led by Major Khairul Azmi Jamingon. Earlier in the day, he participated in a panel session titled 'Leader Fireside Chat', moderated by Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia CEO and board member Mak Joon Nien, during the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.

During the session, Ramaphosa highlighted ASEAN's significance as a vital market for South Africa. He expressed the country's eagerness to boost trade and investment with the region and emphasized South Africa's openness to learning and sharing knowledge with ASEAN to enhance key sectors, including technology and infrastructure.

The Foreign Ministry noted in a statement yesterday that this marks Ramaphosa's first official visit to Malaysia since he assumed office in February 2018.