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INDIA SIGNS TWO ACCORDS WITH PORTUGAL ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND OCEAN SCIENCES
New Delhi~ July 3, 2001
India and Portugal have signed two accords for giving a boost to cooperation in science and technology and ocean sciences. They were signed in Lisbon today after talks between the two delegations headed by the Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi and his Portuguese counterpart Prof. Jose Mariano Gago. The significant aspect was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two Ministers for
cooperation in ocean sciences and technology.
Considering the importance of the oceans and their resources to the present and future generations of mankind and the need to develop sustainable marine and costal development based on a better scientific understanding of oceans and seas the two sides identified a number of areas for collaboration. These include ocean energy; ocean dynamics and modeling; oceanographic multi-disciplinary studies remote sensing for ocean observation; environmental quality pollution and contamination processes; integrated coastal zone management; marine and eco-sensitive coastal areas; underwater instrumentation; remotely operable autonomous vehicles and systems for underwater exploration exploitation and scientific research; marine living and non-living resources as well as sea bed mining. The two sides will establish a Joint Committee on Ocean Sciences headed by Co-Chairmen from both sides.
The Committee will adopt procedures for its operation and meet regularly to review the progress. The MoU also paves the way for exchange of scientists research workers and specialists. Scientific and technical information and documentation will also be exchanged between the two sides. They will also develop joint research programmes and projects for implementation. Dr. Joshi and Prof. Gago also signed a programme of cooperation in the field of science and technology for the years 2001-02 in pursuance of the agreement concluded in New Delhi in December 1998. The areas of cooperation broadly identified include computer software and applications, cellular and molecular, biology
biotechnology, physical and material sciences and ocean science and technology. The two sides will take up joint scientific projects based on mutual interest with the aim at developing applicable technologies and lead to the dissemination of research results and establishing contacts with industry for the follow up of research and development work. A joint committee will meet at regular intervals to evaluate the progress. There will also be exchange of scientists and specialists for working out and finalise specific action plans. Scientific contacts will be promoted along with exploratory study visits.
After signing the accords Dr. Joshi and Prof. Gago expressed the confidence that this will go a long way in enhancing scientific and technological cooperation between the two nations and foster friendly relations. They were sure that this will also open new perspectives and promote the well-being and prosperity of the two peoples.
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