Korea, US, and Japan sign framework agreement on research cooperation
- MSIT enhances trilateral cooperation in advanced science and technology, following the ROK-US-Japan Camp David Summit in August 2023
The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Lee Jong Ho, hereinafter referred to as "MSIT") announced that, as a follow-up measure to the Republic of Korea-United States-Japan trilateral summit held in August this year, a framework agreement on cooperation among research institutions of the three countries was signed, of which the corresponding parties were the United States National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (CSTI) of the Japanese Cabinet Office (CAO).
The cooperation among research institutions of South Korea, the US, and Japan was initially proposed during the ROK-US-Japan Economic Security Dialogue earlier this year, and subsequently agreed upon during the ROK-US-Japan Camp David Summit in August. To expedite the trilateral research cooperation, MSIT engaged in close coordination with its counterparts of the US and Japan, resulting in today's signing of the framework agreement.
From left, (Korea) Cho Seong-Kyung, MSIT 1st Vice Minister, (US) Jill Hruby, NNSA Administrator, (Japan) Matsuo Hiroki, CAO Secretary General for Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy
This framework agreement marks the first substantial output in research cooperation following the ROK-US-Japan trilateral summit in August. The three countries agreed to strengthen joint research endeavors and personnel exchanges among their national research institutions, in order to enhance economic security and mutual interests. Additionally, the three countries agreed to hold ROK-US-Japan experts’ meetings to discuss joint research topics, forms of cooperation, governance structure, and more in detail, with the aim of signing a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in the first half of next year.
Overview of the framework agreement
◇ Context: To implement what was discussed in the ROK-US-Japan trilateral summit held on August 18th, a framework has been established to promote joint research and personnel exchange among the national research institutions of Korea, the US, and Japan.
◇ Summary
(Purpose)
Signing an MoC on enhancing advanced science and technology cooperation, encompassing matters related to research topics, cooperation formats, and governance.
(Key points)
(1) Facilitation of better mobility of personnel, supplies, data, and equipment across the national borders of three countries
(2) Strengthening access to facilities and personnel necessary for cooperative activities
(3) Establishment of mutual security procedures regarding sensitive information and equipment
(4) Promoting transfer of non-classified export control information and equipment
1st Vice Minister Cho Seong-Kyung emphasized the significance of this framework agreement in that it established a systematic foundation for cooperation through building a collaborative platform bridging the top national research institutions of South Korea, the US, and Japan. She stated that "We anticipate that the Republic of Korea-United States-Japan alliance in advanced science and technology fields will be strengthened on this occasion." She further stated, "To this end, MSIT will closely communicate with the United States and Japan, making every effort to foster joint research and personnel exchanges among the three nations."
For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Please refer to the attached PDF.