U.S.-Chile Joint Declaration on Science and Technology

Following is the text of a joint declaration by the U.S. and Chile following the Joint Committee Meeting on Science and Technology that took place in Washington, D.C., January 20, 2004. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Anthony Rock led the U.S. delegation, and Ambassador Ovid E Harasich, Deputy Director of Special Policy for Science and Technology in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the Chilean delegation.

The Governments of the United States and Chile held a Joint Committee Meeting under the Basic Agreement Related to Scientific and Technological Cooperation in Washington, DC, on January 20th, 2004.

Mr. Anthony F. Rock, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Oceans, International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, headed the Delegation of the United States and Ambassador Ovid Harasich, Deputy Director of Special Policy for Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile headed the Chilean Delegation.

Affirming the important role of science and technology within the bilateral relationship and considering the common interest in promoting scientific research and technological development, both Delegations reviewed the status of the current scientific and technical links and cooperation being developed among public and private institutions, agencies, research centers and universities of the United States and Chile. In addition, they examined the potential for further cooperative bilateral activities. Areas of ongoing interest included astronomy, space science and technology, health, agriculture and biotechnology, standards and metrology, material science, information and communication technology, training needs and opportunities, geosciences and oceanography, and monitoring technologies. In addition, the possibilities for future cooperation on methane hydrates and geothermal energy were explored.

The Delegations also reviewed opportunities of multilateral cooperation, as well as opportunities with third parties.

The Delegations of the United States and Chile agreed to develop and exchange a list of institutional points of contact, who will organize future thematic, expert meetings, to support existing activities and to promote new bilateral cooperative projects.

During the meeting, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Chilean National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICYT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning scientific and technological cooperation in the earth sciences.

The Representatives of both countries discussed the next renewal of the Basic Agreement Related to Scientific and Technological Cooperation, which will expire in June 2004. They informed each other of the domestic requirements and actions for such a renewal.