Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the Fields of Arts and Culture Between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Kingdom of Norway, 2006-2008

Wishing to consolidate and strengthen the friendly ties and reciprocal understanding between their peoples;

In recognition of the vital role culture plays in social and economic development;

In pursuance of promoting mutual knowledge and understanding of cultures, intellectual and artistic achievements, the history and the way of life of the respective countries to the greatest possible extent;

Desirous to implement the priorities related to arts and culture of the respective Participants, including South African regional and continental development priorities and Norwegian development cooperation imperatives;

For the purpose of broadening and strengthening the ties between their countries, the Participants will encourage cooperation and the exchange of knowledge, experience and achievements in the fields of arts, culture and heritage.

The Participants will encourage the establishment of direct contacts and cooperation between their respective associations, institutions and individuals, in the fields of cultural institutions development and arts and culture management, at both governmental and non-governmental level. 

The Participants will encourage cooperation in various cultural fields of interest to both, with special emphasis on continuing the cooperation between the Participants within the field of music. 

The Participants will promote exchange within the field of performing arts. 

The Participants will encourage cooperation on research and development within the Social Sciences with particular emphasis on culture and its impact on society. This research will assist in policy making in the SADC Region, and in positioning culture as a fundamentally important area in government.

The Participants will explore the possibilities of enhancing institutional cooperation between training and education related institutions in the two countries in the field of culture and art.

This Declaration of Intent has been signed in two originals, in the English language, the two texts being equally authentic.