Argentina and South Africa signed an agricultural agreement in Pretoria Thursday with the objective of strengthening technological and economic collaboration.

Argentina's Minister of Agriculture Norberto Yauhar said the agreement would allow his nation's agricultural advancements to benefit Africa.

"Agreements like this allow us to achieve scientific and technological information exchanges, to begin agricultural investigations together, develop markets and promote international business relationships," Yauhar said in a press statement.

"The signing in South Africa marks a deepening of south-south relations, which represents an axis of foreign politics for this government."

The third meeting of the South Africa and Argentina Binational Commission also included friendly discussion on agriculture and business policy, world food security and bilateral cooperation.

An Argentine media statement highlighted possible collaboration on small South African farmers regarding topics like planting technology and biosecurity. Talks on direct planting technology began in 2007 and encourage work between public and private institutions.

On the same day of the signing, the Argentine delegation left for China to continue building international ties and developing agricultural agreements.

Photo: Argentine minister Norberto Yauhar and South African minister Tina Joematt-Peterson

www.freshfruitportal.com