The agreement was signed in Portugal, where the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, attended a three-day high-level ministerial meeting on Atlantic research and innovation cooperation, from 12 to 14 July.

Minister Pandor signed the agreement with Gilberto Kassab, Brazil's Minister of State for Science, Technology, Innovation and Communication; and Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science.

Known as the Belém Statement, the agreement outlines ways in which countries can deepen scientific knowledge of marine ecosystems and the interrelations between oceans and climate change, oceans and food, and oceans and energy systems, as well as the dynamics of the Atlantic Ocean and its interconnected circulation systems from Antarctica to the Arctic.

The statement build on previous agreements, such as the signing of bilateral declarations of intent on marine research and innovation cooperation between the EU and Brazil, and the EU and South Africa, and the development of the South-South Framework for Scientific and Technical Cooperation in the South and Tropical Atlantic and Southern Oceans.

Speaking at the signing in Portugal, Minister Pandor said that shared global challenges like climate change, food security, poverty, and inequality demanded a united global response. She emphasised that international cooperation was imperative for science to advance and to improve the quality of living of all on our planet.

The minister said South Africa was well equipped to contribute to the partnership and to add significant value to the investments of our partners.