A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria (UP), Prof Cheryl de la Rey, and a delegation from the Instituto Nacional De Tecnologia Agropecuaria at a meeting held on the University's Hatfield Campus on Tuesday, 11 October 2016. The delegates included Dr Amadeo Nicora.

The purpose of the memorandum was to strengthen collaboration between the two universities and to discuss future joint activities and programmes. After welcoming the delegates from both universities, Prof De la Rey gave a brief overview of past collaborations between the two universities, which stemmed from the realisation that South Africa and Argentina both needed to prioritise food security. 'The bilateral relationship between the University of Pretoria and the Argentine institutions started about eight years ago and agriculture and biotechnology were among the first areas on which our collaboration was focused,' she said.

The universities will assist each other by way of, for example, the exchange of technical staff, researchers and students; joint research activities; participation in seminars, conferences and scientific and technical meetings;  and the exchange of teaching materials, research papers and any other relevant information. Special short-term research programmes I projects or training activities will form part of the agreement. As provided for in the Specific Agreements set forth within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding, certain equipment and instruments owned or to be acquired by either of the parties will , if necessary, also be utilised by the other party.

The mutual assistance given or received, as well as the requirements for each programme or activity to be carried out, will be jointly analysed and evaluated and will be put in writing to become part of an Annual Work Plan.