Given the special interest from the two countries in Antarctica, the ministers agreed to sign a bilateral partnership agreement to promote Antarctic research together.
Pedro Duque and Andrés Couve expressed an interest in moving forward with a partnership agenda that includes such measures as the exchange of researchers and joint participation in research projects. They also agreed to share the progress made on issues of high interest to the two ministerial departments, such as scientific consultancy to the government and development of scientific culture.
Chile, which now has a Science, Technology, Innovation and Knowledge Ministry for the first time, expressed considerable interest in the development of innovation through various instruments. The two ministers agreed to work together on promoting innovation in the two countries.
After his meeting with the Chilean minister, Pedro Duque travelled to Punta Arenas for a meeting at the House of Spain with Spanish citizens living in the area. He then travelled to King George Island, where he will attend a commemorative event at Chile's Julio Escudero base.
Juan Carlos I Base
The Spanish minister will set sail on the Hespérides Oceanographic Research Vessel (ORV) for Livingston Island, where he will officially open the extensive remodelling of Spain's Juan Carlos I Base on Saturday, managed by the CSIC (National Scientific Research Council). Opened in January 1988, the base seeks to support Spanish activities in Antarctica and especially scientific research projects coordinated by the Spanish Polar Committee through the Spanish Antarctic Campaign.
Pedro Duque will be accompanied by the State Secretary for Defence, Ángel Olivares, the Secretary-General for the Coordination of Scientific Policy, Rafael Rodrigo, the Army Chief of Staff, Army General Francisco Javier Varela, the Spanish Ambassador to Chile, Enrique Ojeda, and the Chair of the National Scientific Research Council (CSIC), Rosa Menéndez.
Non official translation
EFE