The signing of this agreement took place in the backdrop of new and existing agreements in the fields of science and technology as well as skills development, the Presidency said.

South Africa's Energy Minister Dipuo Peters, who was accompanying the Deputy President, signed the agreement with her counterpart.

The agreement aims to have the two countries develop and strengthen scientific, technical and economic cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The agreement's objective statement states that: "The parties shall, on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity, develop and strengthen scientific, technical and economic cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy in accordance with the needs and priorities of their national nuclear programmes".

"We hope to exchange research, and that in the future there will be much more cooperation in this area," said Motlanthe.

While in South Korea, the Deputy President held talks with President Lee Myung-bak and the ministers of Education, Science and Technology and of Knowledge and Economy. Motlanthe was also taken on a tour of the Shinkori nuclear Power Station.

The Deputy President proceeded on Saturday to Libya where he will lead a South African delegation to the 2nd Afro-Arab Summit. – BuaNews