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.