Brussels, 24/09/2002 (Agence Europe) - European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin and Chile's Foreign Affairs Minister Soledad Alvear signed, on Monday, a scientific and technical cooperation agreement that will allow Chile to participate in the 6th Framework Programme on Research and Development (2002/2006). The common research programmes should mainly cover biotechnologies and information technologies, as well as genomes, food safety and the environment. The agreement will allow researchers from both parties to take part in their respective programmes, exchange of experts, the sharing of equipment, etc. A similar agreement has already been signed with Argentina and negotiations are under way with Brazil and Mexico.