South African President Ramaphosa urges international community to ensure ceasefire leads to Palestinian statehood during Malaysia visit.
KUALA LUMPUR: South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the international community to intensify efforts toward achieving lasting peace in Gaza and realising a two-state solution.
He described the situation in Gaza as “genocide” after decades of dispossession, repression and oppression during a public lecture at Universiti Malaya.
“We cannot but be moved to action by the slaughter of tens of thousands of civilians, forced displacement, deliberate starvation, and the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals and other essential infrastructure,” he said.
Ramaphosa received an Honorary Doctorate in International Relations from Universiti Malaya in recognition of his contributions to global diplomacy and strategic leadership.
The honorary doctorate was conferred by UM Chancellor and Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
Ramaphosa welcomed the recent ceasefire deal brokered by United States President Donald Trump but expressed concern over ongoing attacks undermining the agreement.
“As an international community, we must make every effort to ensure that the peace deal provides a pathway towards Palestinian statehood and self-determination,” he emphasized.
He stressed that peace efforts must lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.
Ramaphosa praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership in supporting South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
He also commended Malaysia’s active leadership within the Hague Group supporting Palestine.
On Malaysia-South Africa relations, he noted their historical bonds have evolved into “a principled solidarity” defining modern cooperation.
“When we were liberated from apartheid bondage, Malaysia stood with us. From the anti-apartheid struggle to our democracy, our destinies have been intertwined,” he said.
Both nations continue working closely in multilateral platforms including the United Nations, Commonwealth and Non-Aligned Movement.
Ramaphosa paid tribute to early Malay-Indonesian communities who helped build South Africa centuries ago.
He noted their arrival brought Islam to South Africa and introduced values of equality, justice and dignity that shaped the nation’s social fabric.
“These early communities carried with them a spiritual inheritance that later evolved into organised resistance against colonialism and apartheid,” he said.
Their legacy remains foundational to South Africa’s democracy today.
Ramaphosa highlighted economic opportunities between both countries in trade, investment and industrial cooperation.
Malaysia is South Africa’s largest trading partner in Africa.
As G20 Chair, Ramaphosa said South Africa’s priorities focus on solidarity, equality and sustainability principles.
He expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s continued support of South Africa’s G20 presidency.
“Our presidency focuses on four key priorities: strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for developing economies, mobilising finance for a just energy transition, and using critical minerals for inclusive growth,” he detailed.
Ramaphosa is concluding a four-day official visit to Malaysia at Anwar’s invitation.
The visit included a bilateral meeting and attendance at the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits as Guest of the Chair.
This marks Ramaphosa’s first official visit to Malaysia since assuming office in February 2018. – Bernama
