KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Bilateral relations between Malaysia and South Africa continued to gain momentum following high-level engagements in 2025, with bilateral trade amounting to about US$1.33 billion last year, Malaysia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Datuk Yubazlan Yusof said.
In his remarks at the National Day and Malaysia Day reception in Pretoria on Tuesday, Yubazlan underscored further opportunities for the two countries in trade and investment, maritime connectivity, defence, the halal economy, green technology and innovation.
“Yubazlan also highlighted the importance of people-to-people ties, noting that more than 250 South Africans have participated in Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) training and capacity-building programmes over the years,” the High Commission of Malaysia in Pretoria said in a statement.
The High Commissioner encouraged greater two-way tourism during Visit Malaysia Year 2026–2027 and emphasised the importance of restoring direct commercial air links between Kuala Lumpur and Johannesburg to strengthen business, tourism and institutional connections.
Held under the theme “Malaysia MADANI: Shared Prosperity”, the celebration reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to deepening ties with South Africa in trade, investment, technical cooperation, education, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
Hosted by the High Commission of Malaysia in Pretoria, the event drew about 200 guests, including representatives of the South African government, diplomatic corps, Friends of Malaysia and MTCP alumni from South Africa and Botswana.
Acting Deputy Director-General for Asia and the Middle East at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ambassador Dave Malcomson, represented the South African government at the reception.
Congratulating Malaysia on its national celebrations, he said Malaysia-South Africa relations were strengthened by historical and cultural connections, as well as shared commitments to multilateralism, social justice and Global South cooperation.
The reception showcased Malaysian culture and hospitality, with young Malaysians performing patriotic song “Saya Anak Malaysia”, followed by a silat performance by the High Commission staff.
Guests also sampled traditional Malaysian desserts prepared by Persatuan Wanita Kementerian Luar Negeri Malaysia (PERWAKILAN) - Pretoria and enjoyed a teh tarik demonstration.
-- BERNAMA