The Deputy Minister of International Affairs of the Czech Republic, Jiří Kozák, lately visited the Council for Scientific and Industrial Analysis (CSIR) to discover potential areas of collaboration with South Africa.
The Deputy Minister was in South Africa for bilateral political consultations with the Division of Worldwide Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Organised by the Division of Science and Innovation (DSI), Kozák toured the CSIR’s Nationwide Centre for Nanostructured Supplies and the Cybersecurity Operations Centre this week.
The go to, based on the DSI, laid the muse for future discussions in science, know-how and innovation (STI) between the international locations.
“The potential areas of collaboration included meals safety, academies of science, hydrogen, nanotechnology, cybersecurity, know-how switch, aerospace applied sciences, and partnering underneath the Sq. Kilometre Array mega-science mission,” the assertion learn.
Each the CSIR CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini, and Kozák expressed their dedication to proceed the discussions on these matters.
“A follow-up assembly is deliberate to concretise the discussions,” the division stated.
The division stated the connection between South Africa and the Czech Republic exemplifies the rising significance of science diplomacy.
In a dialogue on science diplomacy, Kozák stated the Czech Republic authorities had established a division on science diplomacy, as worldwide collaboration in analysis and innovation was a vital activity in furthering the nation’s distinctive qualities.
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By joint initiatives, trade programmes and diplomatic engagements, each nations may leverage scientific cooperation as a automobile for fostering diplomatic ties and addressing international challenges.
DSI’s Deputy Director-Basic for Worldwide Cooperation and Sources, Daan du Toit, stated science diplomacy enhances mutual understanding and facilitates the trade of data, experience and assets, finally paving the best way for sustainable growth and prosperity.
“On this context, the partnership between South Africa and the Czech Republic transcends conventional diplomatic channels, embracing a forward-looking strategy that harnesses the transformative energy of science and know-how for the betterment of society,” stated Du Toit.
South Africa and the Czech Republic are anticipated to signal a bilateral settlement that may allow the institution of long-term relations in STI and function a cornerstone for progress in each international locations.
In the meantime, South Africa will host a delegation of Czech Republic start-ups in November 2024.
