The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, received His Excellency, Mr. Mansour Shakib Mehr, Iranian Ambassador to South Africa for a courtesy visit, yesterday.
South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Iran enjoy warm and cordial relations. The purpose of Ambassador Mehr's visit was aimed at strengthening science, technology and innovation cooperation between South Africa and Iran.
STI cooperation between South Africa and Iran goes back as far as May 2000, when the two countries signed a formal science and technology cooperation agreement.
South Africa’s STI cooperation with Iran also involves our public science entities such as the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).
The areas of cooperation between the two countries include basic research, space science and aerospace, materials and energy, biotechnology and nanotechnology.
In addition to the May 2000 STI agreement, South Africa's National Research Foundation and the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research and Technology signed an executive framework for the management of the calls for joint research proposals.
Previously, there has also been several high-level meetings between South Africa and Iran, which included a visit to Iran by former Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Naledi Pandor in 2017.
During her visit, she held discussions with the Iranian Minister of Science, Research and Technology, the Minister of Health and the Vice President for Science and Technology, aimed at deepening relations between the two countries.
In December 2018, the former Minister of Science and Innovation, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane hosted the Iranian Vice President for Science and Technology, Dr Sattari, for a weeklong visit to various South African science institutions with the aim to identify possible cooperation links.
More recently, in December 2022, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation received a delegation from Iran during the World Science Forum, comprising two Deputy Ministers.
During their visit, the two Deputy Ministers met with the then DSTI Deputy Minister, Mr Buti Manamela to discuss the bilateral relations between the two countries.
In August 2022, South Africa and Iran also hosted a webinar on Stem Cell research cooperation and then in May 2024, South African start ups participated in Iran's 2024 INOTEX Exhibition, which was hosted in Iran.
South Africa and Iran are currently in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on innovation.
The purpose of the MoU is to enhance relations between the two countries in the field of innovation and to promote the growth of startups and innovators.
South Africa looks forward to concluding the MoU on innovation with Iran, which Minister Nzimande believes "will assist in providing support and development for the South African startup ecosystem."
The MoU presents a great opportunity for South Africa to collaborate with like-minded institutions, such as Pardis Technology Park, through the Technology Innovation Agency to fulfil this important mandate.
Both Minister Nzimande and Ambassador Mehr expressed their commitment to ensuring that this MoU is signed.
The meeting was cordial and productive and reflective of the mutually beneficial relationship between South Africa and Islamic Republic of Iran.
Enquiries:
Veli Mbele
Cell: 064 615 0644
E-mail: Veli.Mbele@dsti.gov.za
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