Johannesburg: Malaysia is committed to strengthening economic and technological cooperation with South Africa, including in the semiconductor sector, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He stated that Malaysia is prepared to finalize and sign several important documents, including memoranda of understanding covering economic and industrial cooperation, halal, agriculture, green energy, technology, research, and education — including technical and vocational education and training (TVET) — with South Africa.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia is also seeking enhanced cooperation in defense and trade, including in beef supply, as well as in the areas of science and innovation. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, has offered space and incentives at the Malaysia Integrated Circuit (IC) Design Park to companies from South Africa to participate in Malaysia’s semiconductor value chain. This offer was made in a statement after Anwar paid a courtesy call on South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.

During the meeting, Anwar congratulated South Africa for becoming the first African nation to hold the Group of 20 (G20) presidency. He also discussed the progress and level of bilateral relations following President Ramaphosa’s official visit to Putrajaya last October. Anwar noted that South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme, ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’, aligns with Malaysia’s focus as ASEAN 2025 Chair, with emphasis on strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability, and funding for a just and sustainable energy transition.

Anwar is on a four-day working visit to South Africa to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg as Ramaphosa’s guest. The Prime Minister was invited to attend the summit in Malaysia’s capacity as Chair of ASEAN for this year. Accompanying him are Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Zaliha Mustafa, other Malaysian government officials, and a business delegation.