Mary Harney Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Wednesday 27th October, 1999) signed a Framework of Co-operation Agreement in Industrial Scientific Research and Technological Development with her Israeli counterpart Mr Ran Cohen, Minister for Industry and Trade, who is currently visiting Ireland.

The Agreement builds on the contacts which already exist between Ireland and Israel. Under the new Agreement, both countries will initially concentrate efforts on developing research partnerships to participate in EU funded programmes. It is expected partnerships will be formed among both academic institutions and industry.

Commenting on the Agreement, the Tánaiste said that "An Agreement between Ireland and Israel in this area is a natural alliance given the path which both countries have taken to developing modern economies with a technology-led industrial base. Israel has achieved an international reputation for a combination of strong academic infrastructure along with prudent Government support for Research and Development. Ireland has clearly earmarked further investment in this area as a key priority in the context of the National Development Plan (2000 - 2006) so co-operation with Israel provides an opportunity to facilitate an international aspect to the development of these objectives. "