South Africa and Indonesia are moving to fast-track their 2023 defense cooperation pact as President Cyril Ramaphosa kicks off a three-nation Asia tour, beginning with Jakarta. During bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, both leaders discussed expanding trade, defense collaboration, and strategic ties. This includes potential steps toward a preferential trade or a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement amid global economic uncertainty. Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of strengthening political and economic relations and increasing bilateral trade, while Prabowo emphasized the need for accelerated implementation of the defense pact. Following his stop in Indonesia, Ramaphosa will continue his diplomatic mission with visits to Vietnam and Malaysia, underscoring a concerted effort to bolster South Africa’s political and economic partnerships across Southeast Asia.
AA