Singapore, November 8, 2007: New Zealand has entered into a science pact with the US to identify opportunities to support the development of competitiveness and economic sustainability of the both the countries.

 

The US delegation included representatives from the Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, US Forest Service, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, National Institutes of Health, Smithsonian Institution, and the State Department.

 

“The United States and New Zealand have a long history of strong diplomatic ties drawing, in part, on a dense network of institutional associations in the area of science and technology,” US Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, Paula Dobriansky said.

 

“By bringing together the best minds from New Zealand, the United States, and the broader international community, we can innovate and create new solutions to 21st century challenges.”

 

The 17-member New Zealand delegation was led by the Research, Science and Technology Minister Steve Maharey, and included Ministry of Research, Science and Technology Chief Executive Dr. Helen Anderson as well as specialists in geosciences, environmental science, sustainable development, scientific research and innovation, and health research. New Zealand Ambassador Roy Ferguson also attended the meeting.

 

“The United States is the world’s leader for scientific research and development. New Zealand’s expertise in environment and agricultural sciences is well recognised. Continued scientific collaboration is important not only for both countries but also to solving important international issues,” Minister Maharey said.

 

The meeting demonstrated the depth of scientific collaboration between the two countries. During the past 50 years, the US and New Zealand have worked together to protect Antarctica as a continent of peace and science; partnered on Antarctic logistics and research; cooperated on agricultural research and food safety; developed international consortia on cattle and sheep genome sequencing; expanded geosciences knowledge; improved biomedical, behavioral and public health research; and advanced biodiversity research.

 

In addition to these areas, the parties agreed to further scientific and technological research data management and informatics, environmental and energy sustainability, and climate change sciences.

 

The parties also identified opportunities to collaborate in the development of energy prototypes, including cellulosic biofuels.

 

The review confirms a renewed commitment by both countries to take stock of the current bilateral science partnership and identify ways to expand and intensify cooperation, a prepared statement says.