South Africa and Malaysia agreed to strengthen cooperation in technology, defense, and other strategic sectors, officials said Saturday. The announcement followed a meeting in Kuala Lumpur between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest, according to a joint statement. Anwar and Ramaphosa decided to reactivate the Defence Committee (DEFCOM) as the main platform for defense ministry collaboration, starting in 2026.
They pledged to deepen cooperation in military training, exercises, defense science, technology transfer, and equipment maintenance and repair. The two nations also committed to expanding partnerships in trade, investment, agriculture, education, tourism, halal industry, transport, and culture.
South Africa seeks to export iron, aircraft components, machinery, and spacecraft parts to Malaysia, officials said in the statement. Malaysia was encouraged to invest in green hydrogen, energy infrastructure, mineral beneficiation, storage and distribution, and the automotive sector.
Ramaphosa’s visit to Malaysia is scheduled for four days, coinciding with the 47th ASEAN Summit and related regional meetings. The leaders’ dialogue reflects growing ambition to forge deeper ties and leverage shared opportunities in innovation, defense, and sustainable economic growth.