Murray McCully
9 January, 2010
NZ, US sign science cooperation agreement
New Zealand and the United States have agreed to enhance cooperation in science and technology research to improve the
shared capabilities of both nations to protect against acts of terrorism and other threats to domestic and external
security.
"International collaboration in science and technology is a major part of our ongoing efforts to counter threats of
terrorism. This agreement will enhance our ability to collaborate on research and share innovative technologies to
ensure our mutual security and protect the public," said US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.
"The Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation Contributing to Domestic and External Security Capabilities
strengthens New Zealand's longstanding relationship with the US in research science and technology.
"Under the agreement, New Zealand transport security and civil defence emergency management researchers will now benefit
from collaborative project work with their US counterparts," Foreign Minister Murray McCully said.
The agreement calls for close cooperation between the US and New Zealand on the development of threat and vulnerability
analyses and new technologies, and strengthened collaboration on border and transport security and civil defence
emergency management.
It draws on the collective technical expertise of government scientists from both countries, and encourages robust
participation by universities, non-profit organization and the private sector through public-private partnerships and
collaborative funding.
It was signed on Friday in Washington by Secretary Napolitano and New Zealand Ambassador Roy Ferguson. The United States
has recently concluded similar agreements with Spain, Germany, France, Israel, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada.
ENDS