Pretoria, El Sky News – Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has officially arrived in South Africa to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit, marking an important moment for Malaysia on the global diplomatic stage.
The aircraft carrying Anwar and his delegation landed at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria at 6:38pm local time (12:38am Malaysian time). They were welcomed by Malaysia’s Ambassador to South Africa, Datuk Yubazlan Yusof, along with senior officials from the South African government and its defence ministry.
This four-day working visit (20–23 November) is part of Anwar’s broader diplomatic mission across the African continent. He was invited to the G20 Summit as the Chair of ASEAN 2025, representing not only Malaysia but also the voice of Southeast Asia on the global stage.
Key Agenda at the G20 Summit
During the summit, PM Anwar is expected to deliver Malaysia’s official statements in two major sessions:
- “Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth” – focusing on trade, financing for development, and global debt issues.
- “A Resilient World” – addressing disaster risk reduction, climate change, energy transition, and food security.
Following the second session, he will attend a G20 Leaders’ Dinner hosted by South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa at the NASREC Expo Centre.
On 21 November, Anwar will also pay a courtesy visit to President Ramaphosa and hold bilateral meetings with key South African leaders. The discussions are expected to highlight cooperation in:
- Trade & investment
- Halal and food industries
- Technology & innovation
- Higher education & people-to-people exchange
In addition, Anwar is scheduled to meet the Muslim community in South Africa, interact with the Malaysian diaspora, and participate in media interviews. After the summit, he is expected to continue his diplomatic tour to Nairobi, Kenya.
Malaysia’s Role & the Global South Perspective
Malaysia’s Ambassador to South Africa, Datuk Yubazlan Yusof, said that Anwar’s presence at the G20 is not just Malaysia’s representation, but also a voice for ASEAN and the Global South.
Through the G20 platform, Malaysia aims to:
- Promote inclusive economic strategies
- Raise concerns on global debt and financing challenges
- Strengthen South-South cooperation
- Advocate for climate justice and sustainable development
Under South Africa’s presidency, the G20 carries the theme:
“Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” which aligns closely with Malaysia’s diplomatic values and Anwar’s international approach.
PM Anwar’s arrival in South Africa signals Malaysia’s active role in global diplomacy. Representing both Malaysia and ASEAN, he aims to bring forward the concerns of developing nations and contribute to shaping future international economic and climate policies. This visit is seen as a strategic move to elevate Malaysia’s global standing and strengthen its voice among world leaders
