Indonesia and South Africa have agreed to fast-track the implementation of their 2023 Defence Cooperation Agreement as part of efforts to deepen strategic and economic relations. The commitment was made on Wednesday, October 22, during South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to Jakarta, the first stop on his three-nation Asia tour.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto hosted Ramaphosa for bilateral talks centred on enhancing cooperation in defence, trade, and investment. Both leaders also expressed interest in establishing a preferential trade framework or a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to bolster economic resilience amid global instability.
At a joint press briefing, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the two nations’ resolve to strengthen political and economic collaboration through existing partnerships and to expand trade volumes. The discussions also touched on pressing international issues, including the conflict in Gaza, with both leaders calling for renewed global commitment to multilateralism and dialogue-based peace efforts. Ramaphosa is expected to continue his Asian tour with visits to Vietnam and Malaysia, where he will attend the 47th ASEAN Summit as Guest of the Chair later this month.