I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Hon. Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology of the Republic of South Africa and to members of her delegation to Mauritius and wish them all a pleasant stay with us. I had a meeting at the UOM and the main purpose was to take cognizance of the status of the African Square Kilometre Array Telescope (SKA) bid as well as the progress made on the project. For those who are hearing of this project today, I am sure you will understand that if this facility is constructed in Africa, it will uplift the Continent to the forefront of science for years to come. Officials of my Ministry and of the Mauritius Research Council have been actively engaged in the various meetings. Once the setting up of the radio astronomy facility, the University of Mauritius will be called through the Mauritius Radio Telescope Department to play an active role. Students and scientists from several African countries have benefited from these grants through a dedicated programme which have led to radio astronomy and related programmes being offered in other universities including in Mauritius. My Ministry looks forward to contributing in the successful implementation of the SKA Project.
I met with Mrs. Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology along with her delegation from South Africa, to discuss avenues of cooperation between South Africa and Mauritius mostly in the field of Science and Technology.
