Question NW4225 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

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13 December 2022 - NW4225

Profile picture: Ngcobo, Mr SL

Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether any agreements were signed and/or agreed to during the State visit by the Prime Minister of Spain to the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

During the State Visit to South Africa on 27 October 2022 by H.E. Mr Pedro Sánchez, the President of Spain, a total of four (4) Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between South Africa and Spain.

1. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Industry 4.0

The MoU seeks to promote cooperation and exchanges between the governments, governmental institutes, related governmental organisations, enterprises and any other institutions of the two countries in the field of Industry 4.0. Specific areas of focus include knowledge exchanges and sharing policies and technologies to increase added value and skilled employment in the industrial sector; sharing policies, technologies and related research to strengthen and develop digital solutions for the industrial sector; exploring new opportunities for industrial cooperation through the sharing of information on industrial areas with a potential for cooperation; identifying sectors with high potential for new diversification for smart manufacturing that could be mutually beneficial; participating in congresses, conferences and events related to Industry 4.0 hosted by the other country; and jointly hosting events such as seminars and workshops related to Industry 4.0.

2. Memorandum of Understanding between the National Library of Spain and the National Library of South Africa

The MoU falls within the purview of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Fields of Arts and Culture between South Africa and Spain, signed in 2004. The MoU encompasses the following: Cooperation in the fields of research; information and communication; technology (lCT); librarianship; exchange of documentary information or publications of mutual interest; and the sharing of knowledge of modern technology; Facilitation of the participation of experts in meetings; training courses; workshops; seminars; exhibitions; events and conferences on Library and Information Services (LIS) Sector; Exchange of experience with specialists in the areas of digitisation, preservation, conservation, cataloguing, technical information and public service; Exchange of exhibits reflecting the cultural heritage and social life of both countries; Facilitation of reciprocal official visits of experts and officials of their respective institutions; Protection and safeguarding of bibliographic heritage;

3. Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Sport

The MoU seeks to implement programmes of cooperation in the field of sport on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit and to strengthen and intensify the partnership between the public or private structures responsible for the development of sport. Areas of Cooperation include: the development of athletes and coaches; institutional cooperation; the field of science and technology applied to sport; sports medicine; anti-doping; the fight against harassment and discrimination in sport; sport and inclusion; sports sponsorship and patronage; the organisation of sports events; the training of sports specialists and managers; programmes to support and promote sports for disabled people; the protection of young athletes; women and sports; sports education; sports for all; the maintenance of sports facilities; and school and university sports programmes.

4. Memorandum of Understanding between South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation and Spain’s Compañía Española de Financiación del Desarrollo (COFIDES)

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between South Africa’s IDC and Spanish-owned COFIDES with the main objective to enhance the relationship between the two entities. Potential collaboration in private sector investments in various industries will be explored and special focus will be given to initiatives on climate change related investments, Just Energy Transition, automotive industry and agribusiness. The MoU was signed during the South Africa – Spain Business Forum. In addition, President Sánchez announced that Spain will make available €2.11 billion in the next five years to support the participation of Spanish companies in renewable energy and climate-related projects in South Africa.

 

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