"Mozambique has a big interest in our capacity; they want to learn from Indonesia. We are happy for their trust in us," Minister of Research and Technology Suharna Surapranata said when signing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Minister of Science and Technology of Mozambique Prof. Dr. Eng. Venancio Simao Masingue here on Wednesday.
Suharna asked for an earlier implementation of the cooperation by establishing a the steering committee of decision makers of the two countries who will meet regularly to discus planning, monitoring and evaluation of science and technology.
Under the MoU, the two countries agreed to cooperate in aeronautics and space technology, biotechnology for agriculture, food, health and medicine, in addition to energy, transportation, disaster mitigation, information communications technology and nanotechnology.
"The cooperation is to anticipate global issues," he said.
The MoU is implemented by joint research, science and technology information exchange, exchange of scientists and researchers, training, seminars and human resource development.
Minister Venancio said he has an interest in Indonesia since it has a big capacity for science and technology and in building equal south-to-south brotherhood.
He visited Indonesia from September 13 until 17 and scheduled to visit some local science and technology facilities such as the National Aeronautics and Space Institute (LAPAN) in Pekayon and Rancabungur, West Java, the Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI), National Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) and the National Atomic Energy Agency (BATAN) in Puspitek, Banten.
The head of LAPAN Bambang Tejasukmana said Mozambique is planning to build an aeronautical institution like LAPAN but they first wanted to to sure of their plan.
"Science is expensive, so it has to be studied intensively first, maybe they have not thought about it but since their economic condition has been improving, they have made certain considerations of this technological issue," he said.
Head of LIPI Lukman Hakim, Head of BPPT Marzan Aziz Iskandar and other officials also attended the occasion.
(T.SDP-03/H-NG/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
