Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on an official visit to boost political, economic and social ties with the Southeast Asia country.
The visit, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and a free, democratic South Africa, will boost cooperation in business, trade and investment, and will also serve to promote South Africa as a viable destination for Malaysian tourists, business and investments.
A meeting of the South African-Malaysian Business Forum will also enable leading South African businesspeople to interact with their Malaysian counterparts in order to identify opportunities for business in sectors of mutual interest.
Malaysia remains the largest investor in South Africa from the Southeast Asia region through Malaysian companies such as Petronas and the Golden Hope Group, among others. South African companies Denel, Nando’s Chicken, SASOL and Sanlam also have offices in Malaysia.
“South Africa wishes to see further Malaysian investments in South Africa. South Africa wishes to explore cooperation in public enterprises skills development, energy science, technology and innovation as well as defence, among other areas,” said the Presidency on Sunday.
The visit will also boost people-to-people ties, further building on existing ties in education, culture, art and sport, which have been strengthening steadily.
Since 1994, Malaysia has assisted more than 300 South Africans in their studies that range from short courses to full scholarships for degrees in engineering and information technology. A number of South African universities have signed Memoranda of Understanding with their Malaysian counterparts.
Among the highlights of the visit will be the awarding of an Honorary Doctorate of Leadership to President Zuma from Limkokwing University. Another major highlight will be awarding of a Lifetime Award for Global Peace to former President Nelson Mandela from the Mahathir Global Peace Foundation. Zuma will receive the award on Mandela’s behalf.
Zuma is accompanied by the Ministers of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Collins Chabane; International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies; Public Enterprises, Malusi Gigaba; Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom and Energy, Ben Martins. – SAnews.gov.za
