In a significant diplomatic move, Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to meet South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, with the Palestinian issue and bilateral trade taking center stage. The meeting, scheduled for November 21, 2025, in Johannesburg, comes amidst Anwar's working visit to South Africa, coinciding with the Group of 20 (G20) Summit. This encounter holds immense importance as it will likely reinforce the shared stance of Malaysia and South Africa on the Palestinian cause and the ongoing violence in Gaza.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, is expected to convey Malaysia's unwavering commitment to ending the violence in Gaza, echoing South Africa's stance on apartheid. This shared position has been a cornerstone of the strong bilateral relations between the two nations. Datuk Yubazlan Yusof, Malaysia's High Commissioner to South Africa, emphasized that Malaysia has long been an advocate for the Palestinian cause, and this meeting will further solidify that alliance.
However, the meeting is not solely about the Palestinian issue. Both leaders are anticipated to delve into current cooperation and explore new avenues to boost bilateral trade. They will also focus on strengthening collaboration in education and capacity-building sectors. Moreover, Anwar will emphasize Malaysia's strong support for the Palestinian struggle during an interview with academic and activist Dr. Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh on the second day of his visit.
This visit also marks a significant moment in the history of Malaysia-South Africa relations. President Ramaphosa, during his official visit to Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit, highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the two nations, dating back over 300 years. This shared history, rooted in the struggles against slavery and colonialism, forms the foundation of their strong ties. Ramaphosa also expressed gratitude for Malaysia's recognition of South Africa's position on the Palestinian cause and its support for the ICJ case, further underscoring the importance of this meeting in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
