Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, to participate in the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit, held from 22 to 23 November 2025.
His visit comes at the invitation of President of South Africa Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, marking South Africa’s historic role as the first African nation to host the prestigious global forum.
Anwar emphasised that Malaysia’s presence at the summit is not merely symbolic but reflects a deeper determination to strengthen solidarity among Global South nations.
“God willing, my participation in the G20 Summit this time opens up an important space for me to share my aspirations and achievements as the ASEAN 2025 Chair, as well as to present Malaysia’s voice on pressing issues that affect the region and the world,” he stated in a message posted on 21 November.
During the summit, Anwar is scheduled to deliver Malaysia’s statements in two key sessions. The first, titled Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth Leaving No One Behind, will focus on trade, financing for development, and debt challenges.
The second, A Resilient World – the G20’s Contribution, will address disaster risk reduction, climate change, energy transitions, and food systems.
Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair 2025 has positioned the country to highlight regional perspectives on global uncertainty.
Anwar has urged G20 members to maintain open trade and predictable policies, stressing that resilience “is not an accident but the result of deliberate choices and clear rules that help nations absorb volatility”.
Beyond the summit, Anwar’s working visit also includes bilateral engagements with South African leaders. He has offered South African firms opportunities to participate in Malaysia’s integrated circuit design park, signalling a push for deeper cooperation in technology, green energy, agriculture, and education. Several memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed to formalise these initiatives.
South Africa’s presidency of the G20 has been framed around the themes of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.
President Ramaphosa opened the summit by stressing the importance of multilateralism in addressing global challenges, a sentiment echoed by many leaders present.
The summit has also been marked by geopolitical tensions, with the United States initially boycotting the event before signalling interest in rejoining discussions.
Despite this, leaders adopted a declaration early in the summit, underscoring consensus on climate action and inclusive growth.
For Malaysia, Anwar’s participation underscores its ambition to amplify ASEAN’s voice in global governance while strengthening ties with South Africa and other Global South partners.
His presence in Johannesburg reflects Malaysia’s broader vision of building meaningful cooperation across strategic sectors for mutual benefit.
