Press Releases

1. State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, H.E. Dr. Hirayama welcomed the Japanese delegation at the outset, and the Joint Committee Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Ms. KAJI Misako, Ambassador for Science and Technology Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and H.E. Mr. Jacques Ducrest, Ambassador, Head of International Relations, the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation. Attendees were representatives from both countries' relevant ministries, agencies, and universities.
2. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the recent development of national science, technology and innovation policies and bilateral cooperation's current status and future prospects. In addition, signing ceremonies of two memoranda were held between Teikyo University and Haute Ecole de Santé Vaud (HESAV) and between the National Institute of Polar Research and the Swiss Polar Institute.
3. The Joint Committee agreed to hold the next meeting in Japan at a date to be coordinated through diplomatic channels.

(Reference)
Japan-Switzerland Joint Committee Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation

• (1) On July 10, 2007, the Japan-Switzerland Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement was signed by then Foreign Minister Aso and then Vice President and Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs Couchepin in Tokyo.
• (2) Based on this agreement, in February 2009, the first Japan-Switzerland Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation was held in Bern. It has been held alternately in Japan and Switzerland.