South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accorded official welcome in Putrajaya, attending ASEAN Summit as Guest of the Chair.
PUTRAJAYA: South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa received an official welcome ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex today during his visit to Malaysia.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim personally received President Ramaphosa and his delegation upon their arrival at approximately 4 pm.
Several Malaysian ministers attended the ceremony including Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
The ceremony commenced with performances of both countries’ national anthems by the Central Band of the Royal Malay Regiment.
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President Ramaphosa then inspected a guard of honour consisting of four officers and 103 personnel from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (Ceremonial).
Major Khairul Azmi Jamingon led the guard of honour during the inspection ceremony.
Earlier today, the President participated in a panel session titled ‘Leader Fireside Chat’ at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2025.
Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia chief executive officer and board member Mak Joon Nien moderated the session held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
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During the discussion, Ramaphosa emphasised that ASEAN remains an important market for South Africa.
He expressed South Africa’s strong interest in increasing trade and investment with the ASEAN region.
The President also stated South Africa’s openness to learning and sharing knowledge with ASEAN to enhance key sectors including technology and infrastructure.
According to the Foreign Ministry, this marks Ramaphosa’s first official visit to Malaysia since assuming office in February 2018.
He is attending the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits as a Guest of the Chair during his Malaysian visit. – Bernama
