United States and Algeria Sign Landmark Science and Technology (S&T) Cooperation Agreement

Algiers, Algeria, January 18, 2006: Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula J. Dobriansky signed a landmark U.S.-Algeria Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement in Algiers, Algeria. Algerian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Harroubia signed on behalf of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. U.S. National Institute of Health Director Elias Zerhouni accompanied Under Secretary Dobriansky to Algiers for the signing ceremony and attended meetings with government officials and the scientific and health policy communities. The S&T Agreement, the first between the United States and Algeria, is designed to provide a legal mechanism for a broad array of activities and to encourage interaction between the U.S. and Algerian scientific communities. These activities will be conducted through sharing of scientific and technical information, exchanges of scientists and technical experts, the convening of joint seminar and meetings, training of scientists and technical experts, and conduct of joint research projects. High priority areas include research in the maritime and marine field, meteorology, agriculture, energy, space, health issues, biotechnology, information and communication technologies, science and technology education and science for sustainable development (State Department Photo).