UP and Instituto Camões renew strategic partnership to advance Portuguese language and cultural cooperation
The University of Pretoria (UP) has renewed its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Portugal’s Instituto Camões, reinforcing a long-standing partnership dating back to 2013, aimed at advancing the teaching, research and promotion of the Portuguese language, as well as broader cultural and academic cooperation. The MoU is expected to support expanded teaching, cultural initiatives, postgraduate opportunities and future research collaboration.
The signing followed a high-level visit by a delegation from Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Dr Ana Isabel Xavier, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal, and His Excellency Carlos Costa Neves, Ambassador of Portugal to South Africa. UP’s Faculty of Humanities hosted the ceremony.
Welcoming the delegation, UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen highlighted the University’s commitment to multilingualism, internationalisation and societal impact.
“As a university, we are very much focused on the impact of what we do – how our teaching, learning and research contribute positively to society,” Prof Petersen said. “Language is a very important focus, not only at the University, but in society more broadly, and we approach this from the perspective of multilingualism.”
Prof Petersen noted that the renewed MoU builds on a cooperation agreement that’s been in place since 2013, and creates new opportunities to expand the scope of collaboration.
“This agreement allows us to strengthen undergraduate teaching, but also to look more deliberately at postgraduate education and research,” he said. “Another important focus is the expansion of Portuguese language offerings, including teacher training, and how this fits into the broader educational ecosystem.”
He also emphasised the strategic value of international partnerships, particularly with institutions in Portugal.
“We operate in a global environment, and this partnership provides an opportunity to further strengthen our global relationships and collaborations with Portuguese institutions.”
Speaking on behalf of the Portuguese government, Dr Xavier noted: “Today we signed a protocol of cooperation that renews our commitment and partnership, but also seeks to expand it and foster new areas and new opportunities for cooperation. Instituto Camões has the mission of projecting the Portuguese language as part of our foreign policy, and we see great potential in working with the University of Pretoria to develop new programmes and initiatives.”
Dr Xavier also acknowledged the long-standing contribution of the Portuguese language lecturer at UP, Mrs Carla de Abreu, who has served the University for three years.
“She leaves behind a very strong legacy on this bridge between the University of Pretoria and Instituto Camões,” Dr Xavier said. “We are certain that the new lecturer will benefit from this legacy and from the deep commitment of Portugal to this partnership.”
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Costa Neves highlighted the broader significance of language cooperation, drawing attention to the importance of protecting and promoting languages as a shared value.
“In the South African Constitution, after naming the official languages, there is a commitment to protect and respect languages, and that is exactly what we are doing here together at the University of Pretoria,” he said. “This next cycle of cooperation will be momentous, just like the previous one.”
Prof Kevin Thomas, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, reaffirmed UP’s dedication to international collaboration and cultural exchange.
“This agreement is not only about language. It is about the principles of languages and culture, and the cultural exchanges that come with it. It is also an example of the kind of international networking and partnerships that UP is proud of and deeply committed to.”
