ANKARA

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday said he has sought South Africa's support for Kuala Lumpur's nominations to several international bodies.

These bodies include the International Maritime Organization, the UN Economic and Social Council and the International Telecommunication Union, Anwar said in a statement on a US social media platform.

In a courtesy call on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg, Anwar said he discussed the progress and level of bilateral relations following Ramaphosa's official visit to Malaysia last October.

The two sides also discussed strengthening cooperation in defense, trade, science, and innovation.

Malaysia is set to finalize and sign several important documents, including MoUs on economic and industrial cooperation, halal cooperation, agriculture, green energy, technology, and research, as well as education and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) cooperation, the statement added.

Anwar is on a four-day visit to South Africa to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg as a guest of the South African president.

*Writing by Aamir Latif