South African President Ramaphosa embarks on three-nation visit to Southeast Asia
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday departed for a three-nation visit to Southeast Asia, reflecting the country's commitment to deepening strategic ties with this region.
He wil undertake state visits to Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia he will also participate as Guest of the Chair at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
He will hold talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Presidential Palace in Jarkata on Wednesday. The two leaders will hold a tête-à-tête, priming the subsequent official bilateral talks with respective ministerial delegations in support.
President Ramaphosa will deliver opening remarks at the bilateral talks to encapsulate relations with Indonesia and further strengthen cooperation in areas of trade, agriculture, tourism and defence. This engagement aims to diversify trade in the face of global dynamics.
On Thursday, the South African president proceeds to Hanoi where he will reaffirm the importance South Africa accords to its bilateral relations with Vietnam, as well as its broader engagement with the Southeast Asian region.
The visit will coincide with several significant developments in Vietnam’s political landscape, including a generational transition in leadership, the conclusion of key domestic planning and reform cycles, and the country’s increasing prominence in regional and global economic affairs. This year, Vietnam is commemorate 80 years of Independence, a milestone that holds deep historical significance.
The President's tour will conclude in Kuala Lumpur at the 47th ASEAN Summit and the East Asian Summit. South Africa and Malaysia enjoyed exceptionally warm and dynamic relations in the decade following 1994 when South Africa had its first democratic government, marked by close collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the Non-Aligned Movement, South-South Cooperation and Dialogue Partnerships.
-0- PANA CU/MA 22Oct2025
