The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Türkiye that will see the two countries enhance their relationship in areas of science and innovation.

The MoU was signed during the visit of Türkiye's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, in Pretoria on 10 January.

Bilateral trade between the two countries has seen a gradual growth over recent years.  During the period April to November 2022, South African exports to Türkiye increased by approximately 18%. The signed MoU in science and innovation will see a deepening of cooperation relations between the two countries.

Both South Africa and Türkiye recognise the importance of science and technology in the development of their respective national economies, and the ability of science, technology, and innovation (STI) to improve the standard of living of communities.

The partnership will promote inter-institutional cooperation, exchange of scientists, researchers, technical experts, scholars, joint research, as well as the exchange of science, innovation, and technological policy information in advancing science diplomacy between the two countries.

Minister Nzimande believes the partnership will be mutually beneficial to both countries, particularly in the areas of joint research, capacity building and advancement of scholarly cooperation in areas of STI.