The delegations will be meeting for the seventh annual Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee (JSTCC) established in 1998, following the signing of an intergovernmental agreement between South and the EU.

The 1996 Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation affords SA researchers the opportunity to participate fully in the EU’s Framework Programmes for Research and Technology Development.

The partnership complemented the longstanding political, economic and development cooperation ties between the two parties.

All media are invited to attend.

The JSTCC is responsible for reviewing collaboration between the two parties, including SA’s participation in framework programmes, sharing new developments in science and technology policy matters and devising strategies to enhance future collaboration.

For this reason, scientists from both the EU and SA jointly explore new and emerging scientific and technological areas and needs; seeking to resolve major global issues.

These include climate change, energy and HIV and AIDS.

So far, South Africa’s researchers have participated in more than 200 Framework Programme projects, and in other EU related programmes.

Among other projects, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) represents South Africa in a project aimed at demonstrating that solar disinfection (SODIS) of drinking water is effective in eliminating waterborne diseases.

Looking towards the future, the committee is expected to agree on several targeted initiatives under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) to promote future cooperation in specific thematic priorities.

These include poverty related communicable diseases, food, agriculture, fisheries and biotechnology, and climate change and sustainable development.

The two will also cooperate closely in supporting the implementation of the Science, Information and Space Partnership of the Joint Africa-EU strategy adopted during the Africa-EU Summit held in Lisbon, Portugal in December 2007.

The European-South African Science and Technology Advancement Programme (ESASTAP) is a dedicated platform implemented by the Department of Science and Technology to support South Africa's participation in the framework programmes.

Issued by the Department of Science and Technology.