Malaysia–South Africa relations
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Malaysia–South Africa relations refers to the current and historical relationship between Malaysia and South Africa. Malaysia has a high commission in Pretoria,[1] and South Africa has a high commission in Kuala Lumpur.[2] Relations between the two countries have been very good and have continued to improve, with each other view themselves as close partners in the developing world.[3] Both are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
History
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Mahathir_Mohamad_and_South_Africa.jpg/220px-Mahathir_Mohamad_and_South_Africa.jpg)
Following its independence, Malaysia (then the Federation of Malaya) supported moves to isolate the white minority government in South Africa and its policy of apartheid, leading to South Africa's withdrawal from the Commonwealth in 1961. It also imposed a travel ban on travel to and from South Africa, which was lifted in 1991, with a Liaison Office being established in Johannesburg the following year.[4] Weekly direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Johannesburg began on 26 October 1992.[5] The two countries established diplomatic relations on 8 November 1993.[3] In March 1997, South Africa's President Nelson Mandela made a state visit to Malaysia to strengthen economic ties between the two with the signing of several economic agreements.[6][7][8]
Malaysia was one of the strongest supporters of the ANC during its fight against apartheid. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was the first foreign leader to visit Mandela after his release in 1990.[9]
Economic relations
[edit]In 2003, South Africa request for more investments and assistance to build their economy and human resources. By the time, Malaysia is already the third largest investor in the country with its investments mainly in the telecommunications, oil and gas and hospitality sectors.[10] By 2010, Malaysia was the fourth largest new investor in South Africa.[3] In the same year, Malaysia was South Africa's 20th largest total trade partner with roughly 4.8 billion Rand in volume.[11]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Official Website of High Commission of Malaysia, Pretoria". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ "Home". South African High Commission Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ a b c "International Relations and Co-operation". Department of International Relations and Cooperation. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ Malaysia‐South Africa relations and the Commonwealth, 1960–95, Mohammad Muda, The Round Table, The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, Volume 85, 1996 - Issue 340, pages 423-439
- ^ South Africa: Official Yearbook, Department of Information, 1993, page 158
- ^ "South Africa, Malaysia to strengthen economic ties". New Straits Times. 1 March 1997. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ "Address by President Nelson Mandela at the Malaysian Institute of Diplomacy and Foregin Relations, Kuala Lumpur". Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Memorial. 7 March 1997. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ "Keynote address by President Nelson Mandela to South Africa-Malaysia Forum, Kuala Lumpur". Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Memorial. 8 March 1997. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ "Nelson Mandela remembered". New Straits Times. 20 July 2018.
- ^ Mergawati Zulfakar (3 September 2003). "South Africa seeks help to build economy". The Star. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ "South African Trade by COUNTRY (Rand '000) [Malaysia]". Department of Trade and Industry (South Africa). Archived from the original on 16 December 2009. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
Further reading
[edit]- South Africa and Malaysia: Identity and History in South-South Relations by Muhammed Haron, Rhodes University, June 2007
- Mohammad Muda (15 April 2008). "Malaysia‐South Africa relations and the commonwealth, 1960–95". The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs. 85 (340). Taylor & Francis: 423–439. doi:10.1080/00358539608454330.