New Zealand and the US have signed a science and technology research co-operation agreement to help protect both countries against acts of terrorism and other threats to domestic and external security.The agreement was signed on Friday in Washington DC b
New Zealand and the US have signed a science and technology research co-operation agreement to help protect both countries against acts of terrorism and other threats to domestic and external security.
The agreement was signed on Friday in Washington DC by US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and New Zealand Ambassador Roy Ferguson.
The US has recently concluded similar agreements with Spain, Germany, France, Israel, Australia, the UK and Canada, all of whom are key US allies.
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.
Under the agreement, New Zealand transport security and civil defence emergency management researchers would benefit from collaborative project work with their US counterparts, Foreign Minister Murray McCully said in making the announcement.
The agreement draws on the collective technical expertise of government scientists from both countries, and encourages participation by universities, non-profit organisations and the private sector through public-private partnerships and collaborative funding, he added.
Ms Napolitano said, “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.
“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.”
