President Cyril Ramaphosa to Undertake Three-Nation Visit to Southeast Asia

President Cyril Ramaphosa will embark on a three-nation visit to Southeast Asia from 22 to 28 October 2025, underscoring South Africa’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing economic diplomacy with this dynamic region.

The visit will include a state visit to Indonesia (22–23 October), a state visit to Vietnam (23–24 October), and a working visit to Malaysia (25–28 October), where President Ramaphosa will participate as Guest of the Chair at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and the East Asian Summit.

State Visit to Indonesia

President Ramaphosa will commence his tour in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, at the invitation of His Excellency President Prabowo Subianto.

The official programme will begin with a Welcome Ceremony at the Merdeka Presidential Palace, followed by a tête-à-tête between the two heads of state and bilateral talks involving ministerial delegations from both countries.

In his opening remarks, President Ramaphosa is expected to reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Indonesia in the areas of trade, agriculture, tourism, and defence, while highlighting the need to diversify trade relations in response to evolving global dynamics.

South Africa and Indonesia share a deep historical bond dating back over 350 years, when the first people of Indonesian descent arrived in the Cape. Indonesia was also among the most vocal critics of apartheid, supporting South Africa’s liberation struggle long before formal diplomatic relations were established in 1994.

President Ramaphosa and President Subianto will deliver joint remarks to the media following their official talks. On the sidelines of the state visit, President Ramaphosa will also engage with leading Indonesian business leaders at a South Africa–Indonesia Business Forum, aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two countries.

Indonesia is currently South Africa’s third-largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, and both nations remain active advocates of South-South Cooperation and BRICS collaboration.

Indonesia Media Programme – Wednesday, 22 October 2025

• 06:00 SAST: Welcome Ceremony – Merdeka Presidential Palace, Jakarta
• 06:30 SAST: Opening Remarks at Bilateral Talks – Merdeka Presidential Palace, Jakarta
• 07:30 SAST: Remarks at Media Briefing – Merdeka Presidential Palace, Jakarta

State Visit to Vietnam

Following his engagements in Indonesia, President Ramaphosa will proceed to Hanoi, Vietnam, for a state visit from 23 to 24 October 2025.

This visit reaffirms South Africa’s recognition of Vietnam as a key strategic partner in Southeast Asia and highlights the growing importance of South-South partnerships in promoting shared prosperity.

The visit coincides with Vietnam’s 80th anniversary of independence, a milestone underscoring the nation’s historical resilience and its growing role in global economic and political affairs.

President Ramaphosa’s visit comes at a pivotal time as Vietnam undergoes a generational leadership transition and continues to strengthen its position as a leading regional economy.

The two nations are expected to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, opening new avenues for cooperation in trade, industry, education, technology, and green development.

Vietnam’s expanding consumer market presents significant opportunities for South African exporters, aligning with South Africa’s efforts to diversify its trade destinations and enhance access to high-growth markets.

Working Visit to Malaysia

President Ramaphosa will conclude his Southeast Asia tour with a working visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 25 to 28 October 2025.

During this visit, the President will participate as Guest of the Chair at the 47th ASEAN Summit and the East Asian Summit, reinforcing South Africa’s growing engagement with ASEAN since being recognised as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 2023.

This milestone reflects South Africa’s commitment to deepening political, economic, and multilateral cooperation with Southeast Asia — a region that serves as a gateway to emerging technologies, dynamic markets, and sustainable development opportunities.

South Africa and Malaysia share longstanding and cordial relations, rooted in post-1994 cooperation through platforms such as the Non-Aligned Movement and South-South partnerships. The two countries continue to collaborate in advancing inclusive growth and strengthening the voice of the Global South in multilateral forums.

The visit to Malaysia will further consolidate South Africa’s foreign policy objective of positioning itself as a proactive and globally engaged partner, while leveraging strategic relations to promote trade, investment, and innovation across the Global South.