JOHANNESBURG: Malaysia has requested that South Africa support its candidacy in several international bodies, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said this includes securing a seat in the UN Security Council, the International Maritime Organisation, the UN Economic and Social Council, the International Telecommunications Union and the UN Human Rights Council.
“Malaysia is committed to building stronger relations that are based on solidarity, confidence and a development agenda that is mutually beneficial for the people of Malaysia and South Africa,” he said after a meeting with the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Friday (Nov 21).
Anwar said he and his counterpart also reviewed developments in Malaysia-South Africa bilateral relations following Ramaphosa’s October visit to Putrajaya.
“Malaysia is ready to finalise and sign several important documents, including memoranda of understanding in the areas of economy and industry, halal cooperation, agriculture, green technology and research,” he said.
Other fields of interest include cooperation in education and TVET.
Anwar said Malaysia has also offered places and incentives at the MY Integrated Circuit Design Park to countries from Africa to participate in Malaysia’s semiconductor value chain.
Anwar also congratulated South Africa on hosting the G20 Summit, making it the first African country to do so.
He said G20’s theme of “solidarity, equality, sustainability” was in line with the theme of Malaysia’s chairmanship for Asean in 2025, where focus was given to resilience in facing catastrophe and energy transition that is fair and sustainable.
