Indonesia and South Africa agreed on Wednesday to speed up implementation of their 2023 Defense Cooperation Agreement as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa kicked off a three-nation Asia tour in Jakarta.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto hosted Ramaphosa for talks centered on trade, defense and broader strategic ties. Prabowo said both sides aim to pursue a preferential trade arrangement or a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement amid global economic uncertainty.
Ramaphosa said the two governments reaffirmed plans to deepen political and economic links and “increase trade between our two countries,” adding he expects to host Prabowo next month at the G20 summit in South Africa.
The leaders also discussed international issues, including Gaza, and underscored support for multilateral solutions and a negotiated, durable peace that fulfills Palestinian aspirations for self-determination within a two-state outcome.
Ramaphosa departs Jakarta on Thursday for a two-day visit to Vietnam, before a four-day stop in Malaysia from Oct. 25–28, where he will attend the 47th ASEAN Summit as Guest of the Chair.