Signing of the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of New Zealand on Cooperation in Science and Technology

October 28, 2009
Japanese

The signing of the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of New Zealand on Cooperation in Science and Technology took place in Tokyo (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) on October 28 (Wed) between Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Japanese side, and Hon. Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the New Zealand side.
Main Points of the Agreement

(1) The Agreement stipulates the framework to promote cooperation in science and technology between both Governments.

(2) It also stipulates that both Governments shall establish a joint Committee to review and discuss the cooperative activities and accomplishments under the Agreement, and that the details of and procedures for the cooperation may be determined by implementing arrangements to be concluded between both Governments or their agencies, as appropriate.

Background of the Negotiations

At the Japan-New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ talks in April 2009, both Governments decided to start negotiations on a bilateral agreement on the science and technology cooperation with a view to further enhancing and strengthening such cooperation based on the previous achievements in that field. Subsequent negotiations have been recently completed.

Meaning of the Agreement

This symbolic Agreement, which designs a framework to further broaden and strengthen cooperation in science and technology between Japan and New Zealand, is expected to contribute to further development of close and friendly bilateral relations.

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