India, Turkey to develop and enhance cooperation in science and technology

New Delhi, Feb.9 (ANI): India and Turkey on Tuesday desired to develop and expand cooperation in science and technology and in other areas of common interest and launched an Advanced Science and Technology Dialogue, besides offering to actively study the possibilities of working together in mutually identified projects in areas such as telecommunications, computerization, non-technology space research, bio-technology and environmental technology and convene a joint workshop in 2010.

On the occasion of the visit of the President of the Republic of Turkey, Abdullah Gul, to India, a joint statement was issued here in which both sides:

Considering the importance of science and technology for the economic and social development of both the countries have desired to develop and expand cooperation in the field of science and technology in areas of common interest besides noting that together with economic and commercial relations, cooperation in science and technology offer great potential as a driver of bilateral relations.

The joint statement has recognized that cooperation in science and technology will not only advance the state of science and technology to the benefit of both countries but also strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding between people of both countries.

The statement also reaffirmed the Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Science and Technology between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the Republic of India signed on 17 September 2003,

It also declared that the two countries launch an Advanced Science and Technology Dialogue, which will strive to promote the maximum use of the opportunities that have risen for mutually beneficial interaction in the field of science and technology, which would add to the strength of the two national economies, and to the welfare and prosperity of the people of both the countries.

The dialogue will also strengthen this interaction with special emphasis on high-technology and frontier areas of research and application and will encourage and support broadened and expanded relations between the scientific and technological communities in both countries by creating favorable conditions for cooperation.

Advanced Science and Technology Dialogue will also encourage cooperation through exchange of ideas, information, skills and technologies; exchange of scientists and technical experts; the onvening of joint seminars, scientific conferences, and meetings; training and enhancing the skills of scientists and technical experts; the conduct of joint research projects and studies and other forms of scientific and technological cooperation as may be mutually agreed upon,

India and Turkey will actively study the possibilities of working together in mutually identified projects in areas such as telecommunication, computerisation, information technology, space research, biotechnology and environmental technology.

Both sides will actively explore the possibilities for joint research and development activities making use of best practices in this field and encourage, facilitate and support the development of direct contacts and cooperation between government agencies and organizations, universities, science and research centers, institutes and institutions, private sector firms and other entities of the two countries.

"We also agree, therefore, that Turkey and India convene a joint workshop in 2010 among designated representatives to elaborate and bring into being the Advanced Science and Technology Dialogue in accordance with this Joint Declaration," the joint statement stated. (ANI)