EU and Mexico sign scientific cooperation agreement
A scientific and technological cooperation agreement between the EU and Mexico has been signed, allowing researchers from both entities to participate in research programmes of the other. The agreement was signed on 3 February by the EU's Research Commissioner, Philippe Busquin; the Irish Permanent Representative to the EU, Anne Anderson; and the General Director of Mexico's national council for science and technology, Jaime Parada Avila. The arrangement is aimed at 'extending and strengthening the cooperative activities in areas of common interest' and ensuring the 'application of the results of such cooperation to the economic and social benefit of both parties.' The agreement will not affect the special consideration to which Mexico, as a developing country, is entitled when participating in the EU's research activities. In addition to providing for participation in research programmes, the agreement also provides for the establishment of networks and alliances between research centres, the implementation of projects of common interest, and the implementation of research projects between research and business centres in Mexico and the EU. The agreement will enter into force shortly, and will have an initial duration of five years.
Kraje
Mexico