Cooperation between South Africa and the Czech Republic is crucial, particularly in science, technology and trade, the presidents of the two countries agreed on Tuesday in Pretoria.
”This agreement will help us in the development of our scientists, particularly given that it is an area [that] is a challenge to us and that the Czech Republic had great capacity in this area,” said South African President Thabo Mbeki.
The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union and it is the first visit by the Czech head of state to an African country south of the Sahara.
Czech president Václav Klaus said his country is ready to offer help in science, technology and education.
”These are fields [where] we can offer our experiences.”
They agreed they should work together as the two countries have similar experiences due to political transition and similar visions on many issues.
”Neither of us is a super power, trying to change the world,” said Klaus.
”It is important that we intensify our contact with individual countries of the European Union, in particular countries we consider to be like-minded, like the Czech Republic,” said Mbeki.
”It has to happen, certainly from our point of view.”
Mbeki said he had last been in Prague 25 years ago when it was part Czechoslovakia and that the country had a history of supporting the anti-apartheid struggle.
”We have been partners for a common cause for many years and we greatly value our relationship,” said Mbeki.
When asked what South Africa could offer the Czech Republic in return, Mbeki joked ”we can offer the president and the Czech people the sun”.
Klaus is accompanied by a business delegation and will meet Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka later on Tuesday.
The presidents are due to sign agreements on cooperation on trade, science and technology. — Sapa