Spain and the U.S. drive their technological cooperation for homeland security
Spanish Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, and Secretary of U.S. Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano today signed a joint agreement on cooperation in science and technology for national security.
This is to share good practices to prevent and detect threats, and strengthen the ongoing efforts to promote bilateral cooperation in science and technology have a direct impact on national security.
According to a statement from the Spanish Interior Ministry, the agreement highlights the importance of protecting critical infrastructure to improve trade flows and the citizens of both countries.
This, stressing the need to intensify research, evaluation and protection measures chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and against the use of explosives.
Pérez Rubalcaba, also vice president of the Interior and Napolitano reaffirmed in the context of the G-6 ministers and United States, the importance of collaboration between Spain and the United States in combating international threats.
Such collaboration is needed, they said, to reduce vulnerabilities and facilitate response to incidents in those areas that may cause a significant economic impact or safety.
Through collaboration with the private sector, public organizations and academic institutions, this agreement will support joint scientific and technological solutions through a variety of performances following.
These are: the exchange of technology, people and information, joint research and coordinated training of scientists and experts and developing technologies that help prevent and respond to threats to national security.
Moreover, the promotion and development of transportation security, protection of critical infrastructure and the creation of working groups, scientific seminars and conferences to discuss emerging challenges for national security.
Also, the exchange of information on practices, laws, regulations, standards, methods and programs for scientific cooperation.
Finally, the joint use of laboratories to carry out, in the scientific and technological research, development, testing and evaluation.
Generalde Directorate Infrastructure and Security of the Ministry of Interior is the body responsible for implementing the agreement by the Spanish administration.
Also, the Undersecretary of Science and Technology Department of Homeland Security is responsible for executive oversight of the agreement by the U.S. government.
