OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TO MALAYSIA 24–27 OCTOBER 2025

OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT

OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TO MALAYSIA

24-27 OCTOBER 2025

At the invitation of YAB Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, His Excellency Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, will undertake an official visit to Malaysia from 24 to 27 October 2025 for a bilateral meeting and to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, as Guest of the Chair.

This marks President Ramaphosa's first official visit to Malaysia since taking office in February 2018. President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by several Cabinet ministers and senior government officials.

On 25 October 2025, President Ramaphosa will be accorded an official welcome ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex in Putrajaya, followed by a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Seri Perdana Complex, Putrajaya. Both Leaders are expected to take stock of Malaysia-South Africa bilateral relations and explore avenues to further strengthen cooperation, particularly in trade and investment; halal industry; agriculture; defence; science, technology and innovation; education; tourism and culture; transport and capacity building. They are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues including Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 and South Africa's G20 Presidency 2025; BRICS; and ASEAN-South Africa Sectoral Dialogue Partnership. Both Leaders are also expected to reaffirm both countries' firm commitment to the Palestinian issue.

In recognition of his visionary leadership in national development, steadfast commitment to democracy and human rights, particularly his principled advocacy for the Global South and for the rights of the Palestinian people, President Ramaphosa will be conferred an Honorary Doctorate of International Relations by Universiti Malaya at a Special Convocation on 27 October 2025.

On 26 October 2025, President Ramaphosa was invited to the Opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. On 27 October 2025, President Ramaphosa will deliver his remarks at the 20th East Asia Summit (EAS) as well as attend the Gala Dinner hosted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Dato' Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

President Ramaphosa is also scheduled to participate in the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS), hosted by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council of Malaysia, on 25 October 2025.

In 2024, South Africa ranked as Malaysia's largest trading partner in Africa. Bilateral trade between both countries stood at RM7.82 billion (USD1.71 billion), with Malaysia's exports to South Africa valued at RM3.84 billion (USD0.84 billion), while imports from South Africa amounted to RM3.98 billion (USD0.87 billion). These figures underscore the growing economic linkages and the vast potential for further cooperation between the two nations. Malaysia's main exports to South Africa included palm oil & palm oil-based agriculture products, petroleum products and electrical & electronic (E&E) products, while imports from South Africa comprised manufactures of metal, other agriculture (fresh & dried fruits), as well as processed food.

Malaysia and South Africa established diplomatic relations in November 1993. Bilateral ties between the two countries are cordial, characterised by strong diplomatic, economic and historical ties. The two nations work closely at multilateral platforms including the United Nations (UN); the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM); the Commonwealth; and BRICS. Both countries remain committed to advancing South-South cooperation and promoting sustainable development.

PUTRAJAYA

24 October 2025