Pretoria - The National Library of South Africa and the Iranian National Library have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the relations that already exist between these two national institutes.
Among other things, the MoU will increase cooperation in the field of research on common professional subjects, exchange of professors and experts to transfer knowledge and experience between the two institutions.
The two national libraries will also share experience, technologies training courses, didactic workshops, lectures and scientific tours in the framework of joint activities.
Signing on behalf of the South African National Library, Librarian John Tsebe said he hoped the two institutions will work together in sharing experience and expertise, among other things.
"As custodian of published national heritage in our respective countries, we are occupying critical positions. We are in the business of information dissemination and information plays a critical role in human life," Tsebe said.
Representing the National Library of Iran, Ali Akbar Ashari, Cultural Advisor to the President of Iran, said their aim was to help African countries to improve economically, in the areas of science and education.
"We are here to invest and to share knowledge," he said. This includes assisting each other in preservation, digitalisation of library materials and exchanging technical information and services.
