Joint Press Statement of the United States and Chile on Science and Technology Cooperation

The second United States – Chile Joint Commission Meeting on Science and Technology was held in Santiago, Chile, on May 9-10, 2007 at the Academia Diplomática Andrés Bello.

Both delegations recognized the value of science, technology and innovation as the bedrock of economic development; as the means to allow sustainable use of the oceans and environment; and as essential tools to increase quality of life for all people.

The 20-member U.S. delegation was headed by Claudia A. McMurray, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans, Environment and Science, and included: Thomas A. Farrell, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Academic Affairs; scientists from the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Geological Service; as well as State Department officials representing the offices of Science and Technology Cooperation and the Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary of State. U.S. Embassy Santiago officers from a number of different U.S. Government agencies and departments also participated in the meetings.

Ambassador Gabriel Rodriguez G.H. led a 40-member Chilean delegation, which included Chile's National Commission for Science and Technology, the Chilean Development Agency, the Chilean Space Agency, the Chilean Science Academy, Ministry of Mining of the Government of Chile, the Institute of Agriculture Studies, the Oceanographic Research for the South Pacific, Institute of Fisheries Development, Universidad of Concepción, Potificia Universidad Católica de Valparaiso, Aerophotogrametic Service, the Universidad de Chile, the Pontifica University Católica, and the Fundación Ciencia Para la Vida.

Both delegations reviewed the status of current scientific and technological cooperative activities between Chile and the United States. In addition they emphasized the long history of bilateral cooperation in the development of science and technology in Chile, which has served to strengthen Chilean scientific research.

Both delegations lauded the addition of women in science as a new agenda item for the Joint Commission meeting. Considering the increasing participation of women in science in both countries, and the ethical, cultural, and job opportunities for women in science, both delegations agreed on the importance of exchanging experiences in this area and identifying future initiatives for collaboration.

Both delegations also highlighted the groundbreaking research in climate science that will commence in 2008. This research will fill key data gaps concerning the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the South East Pacific region.

Specific topics discussed at this Joint Commission meeting included climate change, energy, natural disasters, biotechnology for agriculture and health, astronomy, biodiversity, oceanography, fisheries, geology, information and communication technology, women in science, and education for science.

The United States and Chile signed the science and technology cooperation agreement in 1992. The agreement serves as the framework for bilateral scientific activities between the two countries. Both delegations agreed that the Joint Commission on Science and Technology complements the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement by enhancing dialogue on economic relationships and creating possibilities for future economic growth.