South Africa and Malaysia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in technology, including semiconductors, and the defence sector, among others, according to a joint statement issued Saturday.
The statement followed a meeting earlier in the day between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur.
The discussion covered the current state of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest, it said.
Anwar and Ramaphosa agreed to reactivate the Defence Committee (DEFCOM) as the main platform for engagement and implementation of strategic objectives between the defence ministries of the two countries, with its reactivation expected to begin in 2026.
Aircraft parts
They also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in emerging areas of defence cooperation, such as military training and exercises, defence science and technology, maintenance and repair of equipment, and technology transfer.
The leaders further expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in other sectors, including trade and investment, the halal industry, agriculture, education, tourism and culture, transport, and capacity building.
“South Africa is keen to export to Malaysia iron and related products, aircraft and spacecraft components, machinery and parts, while also encouraged Malaysia to consider investing in green hydrogen, mineral beneficiation, energy infrastructure, storage and distribution, and automotive,” the statement said.
Ramaphosa is on a four-day visit to Malaysia until Monday for bilateral talks as well as to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings.
