JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- South Africa is seeking to deepen cooperation with China in science, technology and innovation following its participation in the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai, a senior government official said Monday.
South Africa concluded a four-day mission to the forum as the first African country to participate as a Country of Honor, a status that gave the country a prominent role in the event and an opportunity to strengthen scientific cooperation with China, said Mlungisi Cele, director-general of South Africa's Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
"We are very pleased, grateful and appreciative of the opportunity that South Africa has been given by China to serve as the Country of Honor," Cele said, noting the significance of South Africa becoming the first African country to receive the status at the forum.
"We see this participation and visit as an important contributor to strengthening our participation in BRICS, our international participation and cooperation between the two countries," he added.
During the forum, South African delegates also took part in discussions on China's approaches to identifying, nurturing and supporting young scientific and entrepreneurial talent, the director-general said.
Cele said the exchanges offered useful lessons for South Africa as it seeks to develop young innovators and better harness science and technology to advance economic and social development.
"We know our challenges, but we also know where there are opportunities," he added.
Cele also highlighted the role of science diplomacy in strengthening international partnerships, saying cooperation in science, technology and innovation should ultimately contribute to socioeconomic development and improving people's well-being.
"We are very proud and excited about this partnership," he said, adding that science diplomacy could help "create a prosperous world and a better future for humanity."
This year's forum theme is "Sharing Innovation and Shaping the Future: The Mission of the Global Sci-Tech Community amid a New Round of Sci-Tech Revolution."
Initiated in 2008, the Pujiang Innovation Forum is an annual event organized by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology and the municipal government of Shanghai. ■